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from the peculiarities of the climate. There was a time when there was no other alternative to secure the very existance of such literature but that of burying it in subterranean archives. The very method employed for the safety of the works became later on instrumental in further diminishing the stock, and that at a time when there was not the least chance of its being further enriched. Those, upon whom had fallen the task of being the hereditary custodians of such collections had inherited the traditions of their forefathers viz. those of not suffering any part of such collection to see the rays of the Sun, lest they might be deprived of them, and the works most dear to them be destroyed by the assailants. It is very strange indeed that these traditions are alive even at this day when there is peace all round, and when the time is most propitious for the developement of literature. Fire even has contributed its quota to the destruction of the records. Add to these the all round degeneration among the followers of the faith, when far from the prospects of further expansion the faith was in imminent danger of being extinct. It was during this time that more attention was paid to the performance of external rites and ceremonies, and practically nothing was done
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