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Chapter 3
Cultural Significance of Jainism in Medieval
Rajasthan
K.C. JAIN
Jainism prospered greatly in Rajasthan from the eighth century onwards. It was due to the efforts of the great Jaina saints like Haribhadrasuri, Jinesvarasuri, Jinavallabhasuri, Jinadattasuri, Hemachandrasuri and Hiravijayasuri. They protected national culture and environments by their teachings. Kings, their ministers, merchants and other people were highly influenced by these saints. Though these kings were followers of Brahmanical religion, they were equally interested in Jainism. During this period, artistic Jaina temples like those of Abu and Ranakpur were constructed, and images were placed in them. Jaina scholars made remarkable contributions to the different branches of learning. A large number of copies of manuscripts were also prepared for preservation of knowledge. The credit for the foundation of several Sastrabhandaras and preservation of manuscripts in them goes to the Jainas. In medieval Rajastan, Jainism thus protected national culture and environments in different spheres, but significantly in ahimsă and social spheres.
Jainism played the greatest role for protection of national culture and environment in medieval Rajasthan by emphasizing the doctrine of Ahimsa (Non-violence).
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