Bibliotheca Jainica
Summary
The “Bibliotheca Jainica” section compiled by Satya Ranjan Banerjee provides a selective bibliography of general books on Jainism and related fields. It lists works by both Indian and Western scholars that are useful for understanding Jain philosophy, logic, metaphysics, history, grammar, art, and societal context. Among the general works cited are Samuel Beal’s translation of Huen Tsang’s Buddhist Records of the Western World (London, 1884), which, although primarily Buddhist, contains valuable information on Jain sites; Hari Mohan Bhattacharyya’s “Jaina Logic and Epistemology” (1994); and Hari Satya Bhattacharya’s “Reals in the Jaina Metaphysics” (1966). These works introduce readers to Jain philosophical concepts and epistemological debates. The bibliography highlights comparative studies such as Sukumari Bhattacharji’s “The Indian Theogony” (Cambridge University Press, 1970), which situates Jain mythology alongside Hindu purāṇic traditions, and Frank van den Bossche’s “A Reference Manual of Middle Prākrit Grammar,” which provides grammatical guidance for reading Jain canonical texts. Classical Indological works are also listed, including J.G. Bühler’s German‑language monograph on the Jain sect, “Über die indische secte der Jainas” (Vienna, 1887), translated into English by James Burgess as “The Indian Sect of the Jainas” (London, 1903). These early studies laid the groundwork for Western understanding of Jainism. Historical and archaeological references are represented by works like S.B. Deo’s “History of Jaina Monachism” (Poona, 1956), F.E. Pargiter’s “Ancient Indian Historical Tradition” (London, 1922) and the Cambridge History of India (Vol. I, 1922). The list includes linguistic and lexicographical resources such as Burrow and Emeneau’s “A Dravidian Etymological Dictionary” (Oxford University Press, 1964, repr. 1998) and Upadhyay’s studies on Sanskrit grammar in India and abroad, emphasising the importance of understanding the languages in which Jain texts were composed. Banerjee also cites modern works that explore Jain art and archaeology, such as studies on Jain stupas, the Mahāvīra Temple at Mathura and histories of Jain communities in different regions. While the entries are brief, they collectively provide readers with a roadmap for further study. By bringing together diverse sources, the “Bibliotheca Jainica” acts as a useful starting point for scholars and students seeking to explore Jainism through various disciplinary lenses. The bibliography demonstrates the breadth of scholarship on Jainism and underscores the need for continued research and translation efforts.
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Conclusion
This bibliography serves as a curated guide to important scholarly works on Jainism across a range of disciplines. Banerjee includes classic studies by Western Indologists, modern Indian scholarship on Jain logic, metaphysics and history, comparative religious studies, grammatical works and resources for studying Prākrit and other languages. By collating works in English and other languages, the list highlights the richness of Jain studies and provides researchers with a foundational reading list. It underlines the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches to Jainism and encourages further exploration and translation.