Book Review – Treasures of Jaina Bhandaras

Summary

The final review covers “Treasures of Jaina Bhandaras,” a lavishly illustrated catalogue edited by Umakan P. Shah and published by the L.D. Institute of Indology in its “Jaina Bhandara” series. The volume comprises nine general editors’ introductions and 100 plates (18 coloured, 82 black‑and‑white) depicting manuscripts, paintings and other artefacts from Jain libraries (bhandaras). The reviewer notes that the catalogue is part of a long‑term effort to document the artistic and literary treasures preserved in Jaina monastic libraries. The book brings together contributions from scholars like Dalsukh Malvania and Nagin J. Shah, who contextualise the manuscripts historically and stylistically. An introductory essay by U.P. Shah traces the history of Jaina art in western India, emphasising the Kalpa‑sūtra, Kālakā‑kathā and Uttarādhyayana‑sūtra manuscripts whose illustrated leaves reveal stylistic links to Persian and Gujarati painting. The reviewer highlights Shah’s observation that the catalogue opens a “hitherto unattended field of art” and underscores the need for wider appreciation and critical study. Another section discusses miniature paintings from Santhani Jain bhandaras, comparing them with folios preserved in museums worldwide. The catalogue includes an essay on the “More Documents of Jain Paintings” by U.P. Shah, which analyses early palm‑leaf miniatures and places them within the broader development of western Indian painting. The reviewer praises the editors for including a variety of artefacts beyond manuscripts, such as bronze icons, ivory carvings and temple plans, thereby conveying the breadth of Jaina artistic heritage. He remarks that the exhibition of these items at the L.D. Institute’s Bhandaras gave scholars and the public a rare glimpse of the splendour of Jain art. The review concludes that “Treasures of Jaina Bhandaras” serves both as a record of a significant exhibition and as an invaluable resource for future research.