Books Received
By Unexhibited
Summary
This section reviews newly received books on Jainism. The “Babu Chhotelal Jain Smṛti Granth,” a felicitation volume edited by Chainsukhdas Nyāyatīrtha and others, honours a respected patron while providing nearly four hundred pages of essays on Jaina antiquity, history, literature, religion and philosophy. It is divided into four parts: tributes, Hindi articles on archaeology and history, Hindi essays on doctrines and literature, and English contributions on Jainology. Bechardas Dosi’s edition of “Uvāsagdasāo” (Prakrit Vidya Mandal Series No. 4, Ahmedabad 1968) reproduces an important canonical Prakrit text for students. “Rājā Śrīpāl aur Maināsundarī,” translated into Hindi by Jayasankar Srimali, retells a popular legend illustrating karma and devotion and is accessible to lay readers. “The Voice of Vichaksan,” edited and translated by Gyan Jain, compiles speeches of the revered nun Sadhvī Vichaksansri, offering insights into the teachings of a female ascetic. Vijayaramchandra Suri’s “Bāl‑dikṣā or Child‑saṇyās,” translated into English by Chunilal Vrajlal Mody, collects four sermons from 1931 and the author’s opinion on the 1955 bill that sought to prohibit child renunciation; he argues that early initiation is beneficial because childhood is the ideal time for spiritual discipline. Together these books illustrate the diversity of contemporary Jaina publishing, ranging from commemorative volumes and critical editions to narrative retellings, speech collections and works addressing ethical debates. They reflect the community’s commitment to preserving scriptural heritage, promoting translations and engaging with social issues such as child asceticism, thereby enriching both scholarship and popular understanding of Jainism.
Conclusion
The ‘Books Received’ column highlights the breadth of Jaina scholarship. By acknowledging commemorative volumes, canonical texts, narrative retellings, inspirational speeches and socially engaged works, it underscores that Jain publishing serves both academic and lay audiences. These books preserve tradition while addressing contemporary ethical questions, demonstrating the vibrancy of the Jaina literary world.