Books on Jainology and Our Contributors
By Muni Gunaratnavijaya, Muni Nagraj, Jyoti Prasad Jain
Summary
The single page titled “Books on Jainology” serves as an annotated guide to recently published works and introduces the contributors to the issue. It recommends a selection of books that cover the diverse facets of Jain studies. Among the works listed are general histories, such as Jyoti Prasad Jain’s “History of Jainism” and Colette Caillat’s “Jaina Studies”; specialised monographs like U. P. Shah’s “Studies in Jaina Art” which surveys sculptures, painting and iconography; and regional studies including H. L. Jain’s “Jainism in Rajasthan.” The list also mentions volumes dealing with Jaina philosophy, cosmology and logic, and translations of important canonical texts. Each entry is accompanied by a brief remark on its contents or significance. Collectively these recommendations reflect the growing scholarly interest in Jainism during the late 1960s and provide readers with a roadmap for further reading. The lower portion of the page contains short biographical notes on two of the contributors whose articles appear in the issue. The first profile is of Muni Nagraj, author of the article on Ajatasatru Kunika. It notes that he was born in 1920 in Rajasthan, received monastic initiation early, and studied both Jain canonical languages and modern Indian history. He is described as a scholar‑monk whose works bridge scriptural study and historical research. His interests include early Jain history, comparative religion and the editing of rare manuscripts. The second profile introduces Muni Gunaratnavijaya, author of the piece on Acharya Vijaya Premasurishvara and the doctrine of karma. Born into a merchant family, he renounced worldly life to become a monk and gained reputation as an expert on Jain metaphysics, particularly the theory of karma. He has written books on karma philosophy, organised lecture tours and supervised translation projects. By including these biographical sketches, the editors acknowledge the authority and lived experience of the contributors. The page thus functions not only as a booklist but also as a bridge connecting readers to the scholars whose works fill the issue. It encourages further exploration of Jainism by pointing to reliable reference works and establishes the credentials of those interpreting the tradition.
Conclusion
This page underscores the periodical’s role as a conduit between scholarship and readership. By recommending authoritative works on Jain history, art and philosophy, it invites readers to deepen their engagement with Jain studies. The brief biographies of Muni Nagraj and Muni Gunaratnavijaya show that the contributors combine monastic discipline with academic training, lending credibility to their articles. In highlighting both resources and researchers, the editors promote a community of learning and suggest that understanding Jainism requires both study and lived practice. The page thus contextualises the issue and fosters further inquiry into the tradition.