Problems of the Purva

Summary

The article examines the Purva, a set of early Jain scriptures whose existence and content are debated. It begins by asking whether the Purva ever existed and notes that it is traditionally regarded as the source of the Anga literature. The author explains that the term “purva” means “old” or “early” and summarises canonical references where Purvadhara and Purvavid appear. Early texts such as the Samavaya and Nandi enumerations list the contents of the Purva and 12 Angas; later texts refer to fourteen Purvas existing alongside the Angas and distinguish the Purva as a separate corpus. The article surveys post‑canonical literature that attributes certain doctrinal and philosophical works to the Purva or treats it as a source. It highlights the Purva’s role in discussions of karma, siddhis and liberation, its relation to the doctrine of the Avasyakas, and how Purvadharas—persons who mastered the fourteen Purvas—were revered. Through examination of passages from the Bhagavati Sutra, Tattvartha Sutra and other commentaries, the author shows that the Purva was considered an authoritative text whose contents were largely lost over time. The article suggests that by the post‑canonical age, the Purva came to be recognised primarily as a source for the later Anga texts and for doctrinal debates rather than as an independent scripture. It thus addresses the problems of authenticity, transmission and influence of the Purva within the Jain canon.