Books on Jainology

Summary

This section of the journal provides bibliographic notes on recent publications in Jain studies. It surveys a range of books from translations of canonical texts and treatises on Jain doctrine to monographs exploring the contribution of Jain monks to Indian literature and culture. Works mentioned include Hindi renderings of Ācārya Amṛtacandra’s *Nāṭaka Samayasāra*, collections of research papers on Indian culture, Bengali translations of seminal philosophical works, and small booklets discussing the unique traits of Jainism and its contribution to language development. By describing the scope, length and price of each volume, the list offers a snapshot of the growing scholarly interest in Jainism in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Many entries focus on aspects of Jain philosophy—ethics, metaphysics and rituals—and several are translations, signalling an effort to make primary sources accessible to broader audiences. Others highlight the lives and teachings of saints and yogis, revealing the intersection of religious practice and literature. The section underlines how Jain thought penetrates multiple linguistic regions, with books available in Hindi, Bengali and English. It also notes the modest pricing of these texts, making them accessible to students and lay readers. By cataloguing such varied works, the journal acts as a conduit between authors, publishers and readers, encouraging further exploration and study of Jain doctrines, history and culture. The diversity of topics—from metaphysical treatises to hymns for the Tīrthaṅkaras—reflects the vibrancy of Jain scholarship during the period. Readers can glean an overview of available literature and select works that align with their interests, whether philosophical, historical, devotional or literary. Ultimately, this bibliographical survey serves as both a resource and an invitation to delve deeper into the rich and multifaceted world of Jainology.