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Review of Recent Publications

By Padmanabh S. Jaini

Vol. 232000pp. 128–157English

Summary

N. M. Kansara’s review essay surveys a range of recently published books and editions in the fields of Indology, Jain studies and Gujarati literature. He discusses new critical editions of classical texts, translations of Sanskrit and Prakrit works, and scholarly monographs on history, philosophy and linguistics. For each publication Kansara summarises its contents, assesses the quality of the editing or translation and highlights its contributions to scholarship. He commends meticulous philological work, such as carefully collated editions of Jain scriptures, and offers constructive criticism when he feels an editor has overlooked important variants or adopted an inadequate methodology. The review also draws attention to books written in Gujarati that make ancient texts accessible to regional readers. Kansara emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that combine textual criticism, historical analysis and philosophical interpretation. Throughout the essay he encourages scholars to engage with primary sources and to situate their findings within broader cultural and intellectual contexts. By synthesising recent contributions and indicating areas for future research, the review provides a valuable overview for students and researchers.

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Conclusion

Kansara’s comprehensive review not only informs readers of new resources but also models critical engagement with scholarly work. By praising rigorous editions and pointing out methodological shortcomings, he encourages higher standards in Indological research. The essay underscores the vitality of fields such as Jain studies and regional literature and urges continued collaboration across linguistic and disciplinary boundaries.

Key passages

Chosen by AI from the article's text. Each one is checked word for word against the text before it is shown.

  • “In America there are only two names prominent in Jaina studies, viz., Maurice Bloomfield and the Late Professor W. Norman Brown.”
  • “The history of Western Jaina studies reflects the influence of scholars who looked to Jainsm for that which was other than Jainism itself, i.e. for Buddhism, Ajivikism, historical facts, art, lingustics, etc.”
  • “Pertinent questions essential to an understanding of Jainism have been ignored, questions such as the presence of fatalism and the absence of of Gandhi.”

Works cited in this article

  1. Collected Papers on Jaina Studies, Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd., Delhi, 2000, pp xvi+428, Rs. 395/-
  2. Jain Sagarmal and Pandey Shriprakash; Multi-dimensional Application of Anekantavada, Parsvanatha Vidyapitha, Varanasi and Navin Institute of Self-development, Ahmedabad, 1999, pp. i-xlviii + 485, Rs.500/-

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