Books on Jainology

Summary

This section lists a series of scholarly works that collectively showcase the depth and range of Jain studies. The first entry is *Dasavealiya Sutta*, an English translation and critical edition of a canonical Svetambara text that narrates stories illustrating ethical conduct and monastic discipline; the translators provide extensive notes explaining Prakrit terms and doctrinal points. Next, *The Vivagasuyam*, another early canonical text, is presented in translation; it describes accounts of spiritual heroes and includes hymns praising the Tirthankaras. A related volume, *The Antagada-dasao and the Anuttarovavaya-dasao*, translates two texts from the Cheda Sutras; these works depict the lives of monks who achieved liberation and highlight the rigorous ascetic practices required to transcend karma. *Jaina System of Education* is an English study that traces how educational ideals evolved from early monastic curricula to medieval centres of learning; it analyses teaching methods, curricula covering grammar, logic, mathematics and cosmology, and the role of mendicant teachers. *Mediaeval Jainism with special reference to the Vijayanagara Empire* examines inscriptions and literary evidence to chart the fortunes of Jain communities under the Vijayanagara kings; it shows how Jain monasteries and temples flourished, details contributions of scholars at the court, and analyses socio-political factors leading to the decline of Jain influence in southern India. *The Heart of Jainism* is a reprint of a classic introduction that outlines doctrine, ethics and ritual for general readers; it surveys cosmology, karma, the vows of monks and laypeople, and emphasises the centrality of non‑violence. *A Dictionary of Jaina Biography* is a reference compendium listing prominent monks, nuns, scholars and lay devotees from antiquity to the modern era; entries provide birth and death dates, major works and contributions. Several monographs focus on textual criticism: the Leumann edition of *The Dasavealiya Sutta* offers the Prakrit text with a critical apparatus, while *The Antagada-dasao* and *Anuttarovavaya-dasao* volume includes variant readings. The section also mentions reprints of *The Heart of Jainism* and *The Dictionary of Jaina Biography* which make these resources more widely available. By cataloguing these books, the journal draws attention to the growing body of translations and research that make Jain texts accessible to scholars who cannot read Prakrit or Sanskrit. The titles span narratives, doctrinal treatises, historical studies and reference works, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Jainology. This list underscores the collaborative efforts of universities and monastic institutions to preserve and interpret ancient manuscripts, document regional histories and provide comprehensive guides to Jain culture.