Books Received
Summary
The “Books Received” section of the July 1983 issue of Jain Journal provides bibliographic notes on recently published works of interest to students of Jainology and Indian culture. Each entry lists the author, title, publisher, place and date of publication, page count, price and a brief description of the contents. The works cover a wide range of topics, including historical and biographical studies, texts and translations, literary analyses and critical commentaries. For example, the section notes Acarya Rajanish’s “Mahavir : Paricay aur Vani,” a Hindi collection of essays on the life and teachings of Mahavira published by Motilal Banarsidass; R. C. Dwivedi’s “Contribution of Jainism to Indian Culture,” which gathers papers from a seminar held at the University of Udaipur in 1973; Lakshmichandra Jain’s “Antardvandvon‑ke Par,” a novelistic retelling of Bahubali’s story based on history, inscriptions and sculpture; and B. K. Khadabadi’s “Vaddaradhane: A Study,” an analysis of an early Kannada prose classic. Other entries include F. W. Thomas’s English translation of Mallisena Suri’s “Syadvada Manjari,” Upadhye and Siddhantacharya’s editions of Nemicandra’s “Gommatasara” with Prakrit and Hindi commentaries, P. L. Vaidya’s “Mahapurana of Puspadanta” with a Hindi translation, and studies on Jain iconography, epics and inscriptions from various periods and regions. The notes summarise the scope and significance of each publication, often pointing out unique features such as new editions, translations of rare texts, critical apparatus and illustrations. By presenting this curated list, the journal informs readers of current scholarship and makes them aware of resources for further study. The section also records the price of each book, reflecting its role in assisting libraries and researchers in acquiring materials. Although brief, these descriptions collectively reveal the vibrancy of Jain studies in the late 20th century and the interdisciplinary nature of the field, encompassing religion, art history, linguistics, philosophy and cultural studies. They also attest to the efforts of institutions like Motilal Banarsidass, Bharatiya Jnan Pith and university presses to publish critical editions and translations that preserve and disseminate Jain heritage.
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Conclusion
The “Books Received” notes serve as a bibliographic survey of recent publications relevant to Jain studies. By listing titles spanning biography, philosophy, art history, linguistics and textual criticism, the section underscores the breadth of contemporary scholarship on Jainism and related Indian traditions. The concise descriptions help readers quickly grasp the focus and value of each work, while the inclusion of publication details and prices facilitates acquisition. As such, the section functions as a service to researchers, libraries and enthusiasts, highlighting both the growing availability of critical texts and the continuing vitality of Jainological research.