Jainism and the Western World

Three views regarding the opening of Jain libraries: protest of reform-minded Jain laity against the illegitimate privileges of the yatis; efforts of monastic reformers to publish Jain scriptures; and Orientalist narrative of the western 'discovery’ of the Jain bhandhars. This scholarly article examines the early interactions between Western Orientalists and the Jain tradition, especially focusing on the relationship between Georg Bühler, a prominent Sanskritist, and Śrīpūjya Jinmuktisūri, a highly respected Jain monk of the Khartara Gaccha. The narrative highlights how Western scholars, in the late 19th century, sought access to Jain manuscript libraries (bhandāras), particularly in Jaisalmer, for the purpose of compiling materials for the study of Indian and comparative religion and law. Key themes include: i) Imperial context of scholarship: Bühler’s mission, sanctioned by the British colonial government, aimed to collect indigenous manuscripts for a digest of Hindu law. ii) Jain resistance and secrecy: Jain community leaders and monks were initially reluctant to share their sacred texts due to fear of desecration, cultural exploitation, and historical precedence of persecution. iii) Role of Jinmuktisūri: Although perceived by Bühler as supportive, Jinmuktisūri and the local Jain committee collaborated to limit access to protect the religious value of their texts. iv) Partial success and deception: Bühler eventually accessed more manuscripts through political pressure and covert strategies, yet the full scope remained hidden. Later discoveries showed that the actual collection was far more extensive than what Bühler documented. v) Impact on Jain identity: Western scholarly validation, particularly by Hermann Jacobi, was later instrumental in proving the independent religious status of Jainism, reversing the Calcutta High Court’s 1867 judgment that had denied it. vi) Internal debates within the Jain community: A conflict existed between reformers who promoted openness and conservation and conservatives who guarded traditional secrecy. vii) Rise of Jain reformers and global engagement: Reformist monks like Vijayadharmasūri and Jina Vijay initiated exchanges with Western scholars, paving the way for global dissemination of Jain texts and ideas.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.