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Role of Jainism in the Development of Rajasthan
DR. K.N. NAG VICE-CHANCELLOR
RAJASTHAN AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY BIKANER
Jainism is recognised as one of the prominent religions of India. From the times of Bhagwan. Rishabhdeo till today this religion has spread over the different parts of the country. Although the great personalities, - "Tirathankaras' of Jainism were born in Bihar and northern Provinces of the country but the religion preached by them has also blossomed and flowered in Rajasthan. In an inscription of 5th century B.C. found in Badli of Rajasthan, there is a reference of Majjhamika Nagri, which was a chief centre of Jainism at that time. According to the scholars the present village of Nagri near Chittorgarh was known as Majjhamika in those days. Therefore, Chittorgarh has been a centre of Jainism from the ancient times. Here the famous Jain 'Acharyas' Haribhadra Suri and Virsen, 'have been prominent literary figures of their times'. They served the Jain literature well. From that time till now, the Jain saints have been imparting teachings about morality, environment preservation and religious life of the people.
Dr. K.C. Jain, Shri Agar Chand Nahata and Prof. Ratan Chand Agarwal have thrown special light on the
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