Books Received
By Unexhibited
Summary
The Books‑Received column in this issue of the Jain Journal briefly reviews several recent works on Jainism. The first title is **Life of Mahavira** by Manak Chand Jaini, a revised edition of an early twentieth‑century biography. It recounts the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira and is a useful introductory source for general readers. The note next introduces two works by Muni Chandraprabhasagar: a Prakrit–Hindi edition of Mahopadhyaya Samayasundara’s **Yuktidipika‑kavya** and **Ratna‑Prabhodha**, along with translations from classical texts such as the *Vajjālaga* and the *Mokṣa‑mārga*. These books provide access to important doctrinal discussions in Jain philosophy. A more substantial monograph is Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari’s **Elements of Jaina Iconography**, which traces the origins and evolution of Jain iconography from antiquity to the medieval period. It analyses sculptural styles, provides plates and line‑drawings, and includes an extensive bibliography. Finally, Devendra Upadhyay’s **Jaina Tīrthaṅkara Rāmasrī** offers a Hindi rendering of B. L. Nahata’s original Gujarati dialogue on Jain doctrine. Written in a question‑and‑answer format, the translation clarifies difficult concepts for lay readers and addresses common doubts about Jain religion and philosophy. Overall, the Books‑Received section signals the breadth of current scholarship—from biography and doctrinal commentary to art history and popular exposition—and encourages readers to consult these new contributions to Jain studies.
Conclusion
This notice alerts readers to new scholarship on Jainism. Together, the titles reviewed—ranging from biographies and translations to iconographic studies—highlight the vitality of contemporary Jain research and provide accessible resources for students, scholars and general readers.