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232 RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE JAINAS means of erecting a stately library and a grand campanile, which are among the chief omaments of the city. The Calcutta University has received an endowment of two lacs of rupees from the same hand. Another Jaina merchant has recently bequeathed five lacs of rupees for establishing a Jaina college. Female education in Gujarat depends almost entirely on Jaina liberality. Many schools, libraries and scholarships have been founded or endowed by Jainas.
Being devotedly attached to the religion of their ancestors, they have built sumptuous buildings and magnificent temples, the style of which commands the applause of the best architectural critics of Europe. Their most sacred place is Mount Shatrunjay, situated near Palitana, in Kathiawar. Its summits are encrusted with marble temples and cloisters, erected in the course of many centuries at the expense of Jaina people. Several times in the year rich Jainas convey large bodies of their coreligionists to this and other holy places for pilgrimage at their cost. Besides, Jaina pilgrims singly and in large bands from all parts of India flock to these temples at all times of the year.
It may be noted that Lord Reay, as Goveror of Bombay, having, after careful study, settled the disputes between the Jaina Community and the Chief of Palitana, fifteen years ago, an address of welcome was presented to him when he, with lady Reay, visited that hill. That was the first official and public presentation to a British representative. In conclusion, I may observe that the present Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, in reply to an address by the Jainas of Calcutta, made the following remarks :
“Among the various communities which have addressed me since my arrival in India there is none whose words of welcome awaken a more responsive echo in my breast than the Jainas. I am aware of the high ideas embodied in your religion, of the scrupulous conception of humanity which you entertain, of your great mercantile influence and activity, and of the ample charities that have characterised your public and private dispensations. Previous travels in India have also familiarised me with many of your temples in whose architectural features I have observed a refinement that reminds me of the great days of Asiatic art."
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