Dr. Bhagchandra Jain is a distinguished Indian scholar renowned for his expertise in Jainism, Buddhism, and classical Indian languages such as Pali, Prakrit, and Sanskrit. His academic journey has spanned over five decades, during which he has made significant contributions to the study and dissemination of these disciplines.
🧾 Academic Background
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): Vidyodaya University (University of Ceylon), 1966. His dissertation, Jainism in Buddhist Literature, was published in 1972 and has become a seminal work in the field.
• Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.): Dr. Jain holds three D.Litt. degrees in Sanskrit, Pali-Prakrit, and Hindi, a unique achievement that has not been matched by any other scholar.
🏛️ Academic and Administrative Roles
• Professor and Head: Department of Pali and Prakrit, Nagpur University (1965–1996). During his tenure, he significantly enhanced the department's academic stature.
• Director: Parshvanath Vidyapith, Varanasi (1999–2001). He led initiatives to promote Jain studies and research.
• Professor and Director: Jain Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
• Emeritus Professor: Department of Jainology, University of Madras.
• Joint Director: National Institute of Prakrit Studies and Research, Shravanabelagola. He played a pivotal role in advancing Prakrit studies.
📚 Scholarly Contributions
• Publications: Dr. Jain has authored over 60 books and more than 300 research papers, covering topics related to Jainism, Buddhism, and classical Indian languages.
• Editorial Roles: He served as an editor for several periodicals, including Jain Milan, Ratnatraya, Suddharma, Shramana, Nagpur University Journal, and Prachin Tirth Jirnoddhar.
• International Representation: Dr. Jain has represented Jainism, Buddhism, and Indology at various world religious conferences and has chaired sessions in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and European countries.
🏅 Honors and Recognition
• Presidential Certificate of Honour: Awarded in 2004 for his contributions to Pali and Prakrit languages.
• Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.): Received in Sanskrit, Pali-Prakrit, and Hindi, a unique achievement in the academic world.
• Visiting Professor: He has been a visiting professor at universities in the United States, Canada, and Europe, sharing his expertise in Jain and Buddhist studies.
The essay “प्राकृत ग्रन्थों में प्रुक्त जीवन मूल्य” surveys the ethical and life‑affirming values depicted in major Prakrit texts. The author, Bhavachandra Jain, introduces the range of Jain and…
The chapter explores the critical contributions of Jain scholars to Sanskrit grammar from pre-Pāṇinian to post-Pāṇinian eras. It begins by noting that Jainācāryas wrote in diverse Indian languages,…
This article explores the concept of spirituality and its role within Jainism. It begins by defining spirituality as the science of the self or ultimate reality and argues that true spirituality…
Bhagchandra Jain's paper investigates how substance or dravya is understood in Buddhist and Jaina traditions and highlights the philosophical implications of their differing views. He explains that…
Bhagchandra Jain surveys Jain and Buddhist canonical literature to reveal its rich record of folk culture. The Samanñaphalasutta lists numerous entertainments such as dances, songs, music, plays,…
Bhag Chandra Jain’s paper, continuing from a previous issue, examines
how Buddhist texts reflect Jaina conceptions of substance and karma.
He begins with pudgala (matter), defining it as everything…
Bhag Chandra Jain examines the Jaina theory of substance, or dravya, in this article. The author explains that in Jainism, substance denotes any permanent existence with its numerous attributes and…
Bhag Chandra Jain’s essay defends the Jaina doctrine of anekāntavāda (non‑absolutism) against critiques from Buddhist philosophers. Anekāntavāda asserts that reality possesses innumerable attributes…