Books on Jainology
Summary
The Books on Jainology section introduces readers to a number of major reference works that had become foundational for the study of Jainism by 1970. It opens with W.N. Brown’s The Story of Kalaka, a translation and critical study of the Kalpa Sūtra that recounts the legend of the monk Kālaka, whose exploits illustrate both the ascetic ideals and the miraculous events surrounding Jain saints. Brown’s accompanying Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue of Miniature Paintings of the Jaina Kalpa Sūtra reproduces rare illustrated manuscripts and analyses the iconography and stylistic features of Jain miniature painting. B.C. Bhattacharya’s The Jaina Iconography provides a systematic survey of images of Tīrthaṅkaras, Yakṣas, Yakṣiṇīs and other divinities, with attention to their symbols, mudrās and historical development. The section notes that Sarabhai M. Nababh’s Jaina Citrakalpadruma examines illustrated manuscripts of the Kalpa Sūtra in the context of Western Indian painting tradition, highlighting the high aesthetic quality of Jain art. S.K. Ramachandra Rao’s Jainism in South India is praised for its lucid narrative of the faith’s evolution in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with chapters on early inscriptions, temple architecture and philosophical schools. Philosophical works also receive attention: Satkari Mookerjee’s The Jaina Philosophy of Non‑Absolutism (published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan) explains the doctrines of anekāntavāda and syādvāda through translations of canonical passages and comparisons with Buddhist and Vedāntic thought, while the same author’s The Jaina Dialectic of Reality explores epistemology and metaphysics. Sanghvi Sukhlal’s Advanced Studies in Indian Logic and Metaphysics collects scholarly essays on pramāṇa theory, the nature of judgment and the evolution of Indian logic. By summarising these books, the section guides students and researchers to authoritative sources on art history, philosophy, logic and regional history. It emphasises the importance of works published under government or institutional auspices, such as the Archaeological Survey of India’s catalogues and the dissertations compiled by Gujarat Vidyapith. The editorial commentary underscores that the recommended books collectively form a robust curriculum for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Jain doctrine, ritual practice and artistic heritage.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The recommended books in this section cover a wide spectrum of Jain studies—iconography, manuscript art, regional history and philosophy—and collectively provide a foundation for serious scholarship. By highlighting both descriptive catalogues and analytical monographs, the editors signal the need for interdisciplinary approaches that combine textual analysis, art history and archaeology. The annotations also recognise the contributions of institutions like Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and the Archaeological Survey of India in publishing scholarly work. Overall, the list encourages readers to engage with high‑quality sources and underlines the growing maturity of Jain studies as an academic discipline.