Books Received
By Unexhibited
Summary
The “Books Received” section reviews recent publications across several Indian languages, illustrating the breadth of 1970s Jain scholarship. Brief notices describe biographical works like Kamal Bandyopadhyay’s Bengali booklet on Mahavira and Jain religion; Keshri Chand Dhupia’s Hindi treatise on Mahavira’s teachings; and Padma Chandra Shastri’s biography of Tirthankara Vardhaman Mahavir. Critical editions of canonical texts include Bechardas Jivraj Doshi’s Prakrit “Viyāhapannattisuttam” and Bal Chandra Jain’s illustrated Hindi “Pratimā Vijñān.” Works on doctrine and practice range from Ratanlal Jain’s Hindi survey of Jain religion, philosophy and art, to translations of the “Parameṣṭhi Namaskār” prayer and booklets commemorating Mahavira’s 2,500th nirvana anniversary. Histories of sacred sites such as Pavapuri and Sammetśikhar by Mahendra Kumar Singhi combine narratives with inscriptions and plates. The list also notes encyclopedic projects like Srimad Rajcandra’s “Adhyātma Jñānakoṣa,” compilations of devotional verses, journals such as Guru Nanak University’s Journal of Sikh Studies and books on rituals and mantras. Collectively, the entries demonstrate vigorous publishing in Jain biography, scriptural study, philosophy, art history and devotional literature, engaging scholars and lay readers alike across Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali and Prakrit.
Conclusion
This bibliography reveals a lively Jain publishing landscape in the mid‑1970s. The books span biographies of Mahavira, critical editions of scriptures, historical and art‑historical surveys of sacred sites, encyclopedic compilations and devotional poetry. Published in multiple Indian languages, they cater to both scholars and lay devotees. By documenting these resources, the “Books Received” section offers readers avenues for deeper engagement with Jain doctrine, history and practice and underscores the diversity and vitality of contemporary Jain intellectual and devotional life.