Science and Art of Calligraphy and Painting

Author(s): S Andhare
Publisher: Indian National Science Academy

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copying Jain as well as non Jain literature and also painting pictures in the manuscripts. They took pride in calling themselves as Jain writers or Jaina Laiyas. Thus, a large quantum of Jain literature was produced on all subjects and destributed to varions Jain bhandaras all over India.
Unfortunately, due to ravages of time, frequent Mughal invasions, natural aging and biodeterioration, so also accidental damages, caused by fire and floods, destroyed a considerable portion of this heritage and was smuggled out in the past. However, inspite of all these adversities, a lot has been preserved in Jain libraries and Bhandaras, which is second to none in the world.
Due to new discoveries of printing technology and its rapid progress, the scribes profession surffered a set back. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, a trainaed scribe charged Rs. 3 to 4 for copying one thousand shlokas. In the 40's they charged Rs. 7 to 8 for doing the same work. Presently i. e. from 1950 onwords the rate has gone up to Rs 15 to 20 for writing one thousand varses. As of to day. there are very few scribes left even in places like Patan who can write well. The cost of material, technaque of preparation of inks etc is getting extinct day by day.