A Review of Pindesani
By J. C. Sikdar
Summary
This brief review by J. C. Sikdar discusses a scholarly publication entitled ‘Pindesani’, presumably an edition or study of a little‑known Jaina text. The review begins with a summary of the work’s contents: it includes a critical edition of the original Prakrit or Sanskrit text, an English translation, and a detailed commentary on linguistic and doctrinal points. Sikdar notes that the editor has collated several manuscripts from libraries in Rajasthan and Gujarat and has provided variant readings in footnotes. The reviewer appreciates the editor’s efforts to supply a historical introduction that situates the text within the Jaina canon. ‘Pindesani’ apparently deals with ritual procedures or moral injunctions for lay followers, and the commentary clarifies technical terms and cross‑references parallel passages in other scriptures. Sikdar singles out the glossary of rare words and the appendices on metre as especially useful for researchers. On the critical side, the review points out minor flaws: the absence of an index of verses makes navigation difficult, and some typographical errors in the transliteration could mislead beginners. Sikdar also suggests that a comparison with related Buddhist or Brahmanical texts would have enhanced the study’s significance. Nevertheless, he concludes that ‘Pindesani’ is a valuable contribution to the field of Jainology and will stimulate further research on neglected ritual manuals.
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Conclusion
Sikdar’s review finds ‘Pindesani’ to be a meticulously edited text accompanied by a thoughtful commentary. While acknowledging minor shortcomings, he commends the work for making an obscure source accessible and encourages scholars to build on this foundation by exploring comparative contexts and producing reference tools such as indices.