Review of History of Jainism in Bihar
Summary
Vinod Kumar Tiwary’s “History of Jainism in Bihar” (reviewed under the pen name B.K. Tiwary) attempts a comprehensive survey of Jainism’s development in the region from the time of Mahāvīra to the Muslim conquest. The reviewer outlines the book’s six chapters. The first chapter summarises the life of Vardhamāna Mahāvīra, emphasising that he was born in present‑day Bihar and that his teachings of non‑violence (ahimsa), self‑restraint and spiritual liberation are the foundation of Jainism. The second chapter discusses Jainism before the Mauryan empire. The third examines the Mauryan period, when Chandragupta Maurya reportedly converted to Jainism and helped spread its principles. The fourth chapter covers the era between the Mauryas and the Guptas. The fifth investigates Jainism in the Gupta era, a period described as the “Golden Age” when Jainism flourished and contributed significantly to literature, philosophy and architecture. The final chapter deals with the last phase of Jainism in Bihar from the seventh century to the Muslim conquest. The reviewer appreciates the book’s ambition but notes several shortcomings. Many chapters are brief and rely heavily on secondary sources rather than original research. Errors in diacritics and misidentifications of places and dates detract from the scholarship. For example, some inscriptions are misinterpreted and certain archaeological sites are incorrectly located. The reviewer also points out that the discussion of the Gupta period lacks depth, omitting significant literary and architectural developments. Nevertheless, the book’s strengths lie in its broad chronological scope and its effort to bring disparate materials together. The reviewer commends the author for drawing attention to lesser‑known Jain monuments and for including maps and photographs that help visualise the cultural landscape. To evaluate the book’s contribution, the review situates it within the broader history of Jainism in Bihar. After Mahāvīra’s nirvāṇa, Jainism expanded across Bihar and Gujarat and later split into the Digambara and Śvetāmbara sects. Under the Mauryan and Gupta empires, Jainism enjoyed royal patronage and produced important texts and temples. The reviewer notes that Tiwary’s narrative resonates with this historical pattern but could have been enriched by engaging with primary sources and recent archaeological findings. Despite its flaws, the book is a welcome addition to the limited literature on regional Jain history.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The review recognises “History of Jainism in Bihar” as an earnest attempt to chart the evolution of Jainism in a region central to its origin. While the book suffers from brevity and occasional inaccuracies, its wide scope and inclusion of maps and monuments make it a useful starting point for scholars and general readers interested in Jain history. The reviewer suggests that future researchers build on this foundation using primary evidence and more rigorous methods.