A History of the Canonical Literature of the Jainas c9.2

c9.2

In the last chapter we dealt with the extinct *Āgamas*. So we shall here treat the extant ones which, together with the former, make up the *Jaina* canon. It is true that the *Āgamas* which we have to-day, are not the *exact* prototypes of those composed several centuries ago; for, they have undergone some changes, the linguistic ones and those introduced at the time of the Redaction of the canon being chief of them. The *Āgamas* available at present, however, confirm to their critical editions prepared under the able supervision of Devarddhi Gaṇi Kṣamāśramaṇa. It appears that for several *Āgamas*, we have palm-leaf Mss. at least as old as the second quarter of the 12th century of the *Vikrama* era. It is neither possible nor necessary to consult them while dealing with the extant *Agamas*; for, their printed editions seem to be fairly reliable.