Book Review

Summary

The Book Review section of this issue surveys three recent works that, despite their differing subjects, illuminate the breadth of Jain and Indian studies. The first review assesses the volume “Arhat Pārśva and Dharanendra Nexus,” edited by M.A. Dhaky and published jointly by the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of Indology (Ahmedabad) and the Bhogilal Leherchand Institute of Indology (Delhi) in 1997. The book gathers thirteen scholarly articles originally presented at a seminar organised by the B.L. Institute of Indology in 1987. The editor contributes three essays—“Arhat Pārśva and Dharanendra Nexus: An Introductory Estimation,” “Arhat Pārśva with Dharanendra in Hymnic Literature,” and “The Tīrthas of Pārśvanātha in Gujarat”—that explore the association between the twenty‑third Tīrthaṅkara Pārśvanātha and the serpent deity Dharanendra. Other contributors investigate images and temples dedicated to Pārśvanātha in Central India, Orissa, Bengal and Ellora, examine textual references in Digambara works like Padmakīrti’s Pāsanāhacariu, and catalogue inscriptions from southern India. The reviewer praises the book’s comprehensive documentation and its 67 plates of Pārśvanātha images from various museums, while noting that a detailed, authentic life history of Pārśvanātha would have enhanced the volume. The second review considers “Mānatungācārya aur unke Stotra,” edited by Madhusūdan Dhaky and J.B. Shah and published by the Sharadaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre (Ahmedabad) in 1997. This Hindi monograph examines the eighth‑century poet Mānatunga and the celebrated hymns Bhaktāmara‑stotra and Bhayahara‑stotra attributed to him. The editors’ introduction addresses questions about the circumstances of composition, the number of ślokas, philosophical themes and the date of Mānatunga and his followers. The reviewer commends the logical and persuasive analysis, the clear printing and the inclusion of both hymns in their original languages. The book is recommended to devotees of Bhaktāmara‑stotra and to anyone interested in Jain devotional literature. The final review discusses “The Rajputs of Rajputana—A Glimpse of Medieval Rajasthan” by Dr. M.S. Naravane, published by A.P.H. Publishing Corporation, Delhi. Although not a Jain text, it provides context for the cultural milieu in which many Jain monuments are situated. Naravane, a retired Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force and an independent historian, undertakes a journey through history, visiting major forts, palaces and temples across Rajasthan. He recounts legends and architectural details of sites such as Jaipur, Bikaner, Ranthambore, Chittoor and the Dilwara temples. The book contains chapters on Rajput social customs (including dress, ornaments, marriage and sati), political structures, military organisation and artistic achievements. The reviewer notes that Naravane also analyses the strategic blunders that led to Rajput defeats, citing over‑confidence, lenience to enemies, lack of cohesion and failure to adapt to new weaponry. Nevertheless, the courage and loyalty of the Rajputs, which continue in the Indian Army’s Rajput Regiment, are celebrated. Overall, the book is described as an engaging, factual and analytical travelogue that brings medieval Rajasthan alive for general readers.