THE JAIN TEMPLE AT DILWARA 285
like so many Indian shopkeepers, far more inter-
ested au fond in questions of art and religion than
in the welfare of his little business. Something akin
to friendship sprang up between us, and it was
during our two or three long rambles round the
temple of Dilwara that he imparted to me the
legend summarized above. The authenticity of his
tale may well be as dubious as that of a bronze
vase he sold me—but, for that matter, he would be
rash who claimed to know the origins of this wonder-
temple beyond all doubt.
The story of the bandit chief who took to charity
and built one of the finest and most delicately
wrought of Indian fanes is not only plausible but
probable in a land where one still can see religious
notions assiduously woven into the texture of man's
daily life. Even in criminal circles religion till
quite recently had its place ; that notorious fra-
ternity of stranglers, the Thugs, regarded murder
as an act of piety, and each of their assassinations
was prefaced and followed by prayer. In any case,
not only did I find my old friend's story enter-
taining in itself, but I was grateful for the light he
threw on an enigma that had roused and baffled
my curiosity : the presence of Jain statues on
altars decorated with bas-reliefs composed of Hindu
motifs.
To recompense my informant for his explanation
and his services as guide, I told him I would Hke
to buy an antique bronze bowl that he had shown
me amongst others in a corner of his shop. He
allowed me to choose it, to admire it, and to take
it away ; but declined to accept payment. All he
asked of me—a flattering favour !—was to sign my
name in his autograph-book.
A page had been torn out; proudly he pointed