Books Received
Summary
This article is a "Books Received" section from the January 1976 issue of a journal, presenting a bibliography of recent publications on Jain studies and related subjects. The subject matter includes various texts in Gujarati, Hindi, and English concerning the life and teachings of Mahavira, the first Tirthankara, as well as the lives of later Jaina Acaryas and the philosophy of Jainism. The main argument is not explicitly stated but is implicitly the cataloging and review of these new publications for the academic community. The evidence and sources discussed are the books themselves, with their titles, authors, editors, publishers, publication years, page counts, and prices. The article lists several works. Described by R. D. Desai, "Guru Gautam Svaml" (1975) is a Gujarati book on the first Ganadhara of Mahavira. J. Nemichand's edited volume, "Trthankar" (1975), is a Hindi special number on Srimad Vijay Rajendra Surisvarji Maharaj. P. K. Jain's "Tirthankar Jivan Darsan" (1975) is a Hindi tract on the philosophy of Mahavira's life. K. M. Jhabak's "The Bhagavan and His Disciple" (1975) is a short English account of Mahavira's life and teachings. The Mahavira Foundation's "Tirthankar Bhagavan Mahavira Pictorial Diary 1975-76" (1975) is a Ludhiana publication modeled on Munisri Yashovijayji's work. M. K. 'Pratham' has multiple Hindi works listed: "Jain Kahaniya" (Vols. 26 and 27, 1975, on later Acaryas), "Smrti-ko Badhane-ke Prakar" (1975, on memory), and "Tin Sau Sath Kahaniya" (Vols. 1 and 2, 1975, on moral stories). M. Mohanlal's "Safipo Lipta Candan" (1975) is a Jaipur story of Sita in verses. N. Nizamuddin's "Jinendra Mahavir" (1975) is a Hindi tract on Mahavira's life and teachings. V. N. Pandey's edited "The Orient" (1974) contains "World of Jainism, Part I: Life, History and Society." R. C. Shah's "Lord Mahavira & Jainism" (1975) is a short Bombay tract. R. B. Das's "Mahavira the Merciful" (1974, edited by V. G. Nair) covers Mahavira's life, Jainism, and later Acaryas. Finally, R. K. Varma's "Jai Vardhaman" (1974) is a Meerut five-act Hindi drama on Mahavira's life.
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Conclusion
This review of books received highlights a vibrant and multifaceted publishing landscape within Jain studies during the mid-1970s. The publications encompass a broad spectrum of genres, from scholarly analyses of Mahavira’s life, philosophy, and the history of Jainism to devotional tracts, moral stories, and dramatic adaptations. A significant emphasis is placed on biographical accounts of the Tirthankaras and later Jain Acaryas, alongside practical guides on spiritual development, such as memory cultivation. The substantial quantity of Hindi and Gujarati materials underscores the crucial role of vernacular languages in disseminating Jain teachings to a wider audience. Collectively, these works reflect a dynamic effort to preserve, interpret, and propagate Jain heritage, ensuring its accessibility and relevance across different linguistic and cultural contexts.