Book Reviews
By Jack C. Laughlin, Tinamarie Jones, Binod Kumar Tiwary, T. V. G. Sastri, Jyoti Prasad Jain
Summary
A) Kurt Titze’s Jainism: A Pictorial Guide to the Religion of Non-Violence Published by Motilal Banarsidass (1998), this visually rich volume contains 351 photographs, maps, and sketches documenting Jain monuments across India. Contributions from scholars like Vilas A. Sangave, Klaus Bruhn, and Jyoti Prasad Jain complement the visual content. Beyond architecture, it includes chapters on Jain symbols, charitable organizations, arts, and the religion’s Western presence (e.g., Jain temples in Europe). The book emphasizes Jainism’s visual and ethical legacy rooted in non-violence and human effort. However, Dr. T.V.G. Sastri critiques the lack of chronological analysis and insufficient coverage of early Orissan monuments and sites like Vaddamanu in the Krishna-Godavari basin. [Update: Subsequent studies, especially by Indian archaeologists, have addressed some of these gaps through regional surveys post-2000.] B) G. Jawaharlal’s Jainism in Andhra (As Depicted in Inscriptions) Published in 1994, this work compiles and analyzes 86 inscriptions in Telugu, Sanskrit, and Prakrit documenting the evolution of Jainism in Andhra Pradesh up to the 14th century. The inscriptions reveal sectarian diversity, prominent Jain teachers, and varying royal patronage—support from some dynasties, persecution from others. About half the book presents newly edited or first-time published inscriptions. Jack C. Laughlin of McMaster University praises the historical insight but notes the absence of translations, which limits accessibility for non-specialists unfamiliar with old Telugu and Kannada. C) B.K. Tiwary’s History of Jainism in Bihar This 1996 monograph from The Academic Press traces Jainism in Bihar from the 6th century BCE to the 12th century CE. Tiwary’s study spans six chapters, addressing Jainism's development from Mahavira’s time through the Mauryan, Gupta, and post-Gupta periods. Using archaeological, textual, epigraphic, and sculptural evidence, the work situates Jainism within the region's changing political and social contexts. Maps highlight key Jain sites in Bihar. While highly detailed and useful for specialists, its density may overwhelm general readers. Reviewer Tinamarie Jones nonetheless finds it a valuable contribution to understanding Jainism’s legacy in eastern India.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The reviewed works collectively highlight the richness and regional diversity of Jain heritage across India—from visual documentation of sacred sites (Titze), to inscription-based regional histories (Jawaharlal), to chronological and archaeological analysis (Tiwary). While each book offers significant scholarly contributions, critiques point to the need for greater historical contextualization and accessibility through translation. Together, they reflect the growing interdisciplinary efforts to preserve and interpret the Jain tradition for both specialists and general readers.