Nigrantha (Vols. I and II) – Book Review
Summary
This review examines *Nigrantha*, a trilingual annual journal published by the Sharadaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre in Ahmedabad and edited by M.A. Dhaky and Jitendra B. Shah. The reviewer hails the journal as a major contribution to Jain studies: the nearly 300‑page quarto‑sized volumes are carefully printed on good paper and feature articles and plates on all aspects of Jainism. Contributors are leading scholars and the editing and proof‑reading are meticulous. The review notes that volume I (1995) contains a style sheet outlining transliteration rules, diacritical marks and other conventions necessary for articles of international standard. While most guidelines follow accepted norms, the journal adopts some spellings that differ from the MLA style sheet (e.g., use of *m̄* instead of *ṁ* for *anusvāra*). The reviewer suggests uniformity in a few transliterations but affirms that the editors’ insistence on high standards will ensure the journal’s reputation. Overall, *Nigrantha* is praised as a high‑quality publication that will enhance Jain scholarship in the twenty‑first century.
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Conclusion
The reviewer commends *Nigrantha* for its scholarly articles, attractive production and rigorous editorial standards. Minor criticisms of transliteration choices do not detract from the journal’s value. With its trilingual approach and comprehensive coverage of Jain studies, *Nigrantha* is poised to become a leading forum for research on Jainism.