Books Received
Summary
The “Books Received” section provides brief notices of recent publications relevant to Jain and Indian studies. It begins with a commemorative volume edited by Klaus Bruhn and Albrecht Wezler, Studien zum Jainismus und Buddhismus, which gathers learned articles in German and English in honour of Indologist Ludwig Alsdorf. Next it lists Jutta Jain‑Neubauer’s The Rāmāyaṇa in Pāhāri Miniature Painting, a richly illustrated study of Basohli Rāmāyaṇa manuscripts and the so‑called “Siege of Laṅkā” series, highlighting their stylistic features and place within Pahāri painting traditions. L. M. Joshi’s Facets of Jaina Religiousness in Comparative Light is noted for analysing the twelve anuprekṣās (reflections) and elucidating philosophical, ethical and devotional aspects of Jain doctrine; the notice comments on its concise format and affordable price. Several works by Ganesh and K. C. Lalwani are listed, including Vardhamāna Mahāvīra (in Bengali), which vividly retells the life of the last Tirthankara, and translations of the Kalpa Sūtra and Daśavaikālika Sūtra, each presented with English explanations and notes to make them accessible to modern readers. Further entries mention Dalsukh Alvania and Nagin Shah’s Studies in Indian Philosophy, a memorial volume for Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghvi that gathers scholarly papers; Satkari Mookerjee’s The Jaina Philosophy of Non‑Absolutism, which offers a critical study of Anekāntavāda and includes a foreword by S. N. Dasgupta; and Y. K. Shukla’s Wall Paintings of Rajasthan, an illustrated survey of mural art in Jaipur, Galta, Kota and Nagpur forts. Each item summarises the scope, page count and price of the book, giving readers an overview of new resources and encouraging them to explore further. Collectively these notices reveal the breadth of contemporary scholarship on Jain history, philosophy, literature and art, as well as related fields such as Buddhist studies and Indian aesthetics.
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Conclusion
Although brief, the “Books Received” notices perform an important service by alerting readers to new research and translations. The diversity of subjects—from philosophical treatises and commemorative volumes to illustrated art books—reflects the vitality of Jain studies and its intersections with broader Indian cultural history. By providing essential bibliographic details and succinct descriptions, the section functions as a gateway for scholars and practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of Jain doctrine, literature and art. It underscores the journal’s role as a hub for disseminating knowledge and fostering intellectual engagement.