Book Review

Summary

"This section of Jinamanjari presents four scholarly book reviews that collectively offer insights into Jain studies, Buddhist-Jain comparative studies, Jain architecture, and iconographic symbolism. Each review is meticulously examined and reflects academic rigor and interdisciplinary relevance. 1. Scripture and Community: Collected Essays on the Jains i) Author: Kendall W. Folkert; Ed. by John E. Cort (1993) ii) Reviewed by: Siri P. Kumar This volume is divided into three parts. It engages both lay readers and scholars through discussions on Jain scripture, community, and philosophical traditions: iii) Strengths: Valuable discussions on Jain ascetics, community life (samavasarana), Paryusana festival, and the classification of Jain scriptures. iv) Notable Highlights: Prof. Folkert’s re-examination of Mathura’s Kankali Tila (Ch.7) and the in-depth treatment of Jain darsana (Ch.8) using classical sources like Haribhadra and Jinadatta. v) Limitations: Historical inaccuracies (e.g., Mahavira not clearly preceded by Parsva by 200 years) and absence of key contributors such as Champat Rai Jain and Virchand Gandhi. vi) Key Contribution: The “363-Account” theory in Part II highlights Jain contributions to Indian compendia literature, stressing early Jain efforts in organizing inter-sectarian discourse. vii) Texts Discussed: Sarvasiddhivapravesaka, Saddarsanasamuccaya, Saddarsananirnaya, and Vivekavilasa (12th–14th century CE). viii) Final Note: Folkert critiques Western neglect of Jainism and urges a religio-anthropological approach. The book is recommended for comparative religion and Jainology studies. 2. Collected Papers on Buddhist Studies i) Author: Padmanabh S. Jaini (2001) ii) Reviewed by: Siri P. Kumar A collection of articles published between 1956–1999, this book covers doctrinal, linguistic, and iconographic topics in Buddhism, with Jain-Buddhist parallels explored in depth. iii) Key Themes: a) Absence of “happiness” (sukha) in Theravāda texts. b) Comparative analysis of Mahāvīra and Buddha (omniscience, Jina as Tathāgata). c) Jain survival vs. Buddhist decline in India. d) Concepts of svadharma vs. ahiṃsā. iv) Other Highlights: a) Textual and doctrinal insights into Vasubandhu, prajñā and smrti. b) Cross-cultural retellings of Sudhana-Manohara and jīvanta Buddha imagery. c) Sanskrit commentaries on Aṣṭasāhasrikā and Triṃśikā. d) Evaluation: A scholarly resource bridging doctrinal analysis and literary study, with special emphasis on Jain-Buddhist interactions. 3. Opulent Candragiri i) Author: Dr. Hampa Nagarajiah (2001) ii) An architectural and historical survey of the Candragiri hill at Śravaṇabeḷagoḷa, this book documents: iii) Content: a) Jain temples (caityas) in Nāgara, Drāviḍa, and Vesara styles influenced by Rāṣṭrakūṭa, Calukya, and Hoysala architecture. b) Inscriptions from 7th to 19th century CE. c) Temples include Bhadrabāhu-Candragupta cave, 13 shrines, 8 maṇḍapas, several mānastambhas, and the statue of Bharata. d) Contribution: Valuable for students of Jain art, architecture, and landscape studies in Karnataka. 4. Mānastambha: Jaina Pillar of Eminence i) Author: Dr. Hampa Nagarajiah (2000) A focused monograph on the mānastambha—a monolithic column placed before Jain temples, symbolizing ego-surrender: ii) Historical Data: a) Roots trace back to pre-Kuṣāṇa period; formalized during Kuṣāṇa rule at Mathura (Kankali-Tila). b) Earliest extant example: Kahaon (C.E. 460). c) Surviving specimens: Sunga-Kuṣāṇa pillars (Bhagalpur, Bihar) withstood the 1934 earthquake. iii) Types: Three major architectural types discussed. iv)Other Aspects: Philosophical interpretations and a distribution list are included (pp. 11–14; 24–25).\