A Survey of Jainism and Jaina Art of Eastern India


Book Description

This Study Proposes To Find Out The Infrastructure Of Jain History In Eastern India, Especially Bengal, From The Earliest Times To Mid-14Th Century A.D., Based On The Available Sculptural Materials.




The Art of Eastern India


Book Description







Archaeology of Religion in South Asia


Book Description

In the religious landscape of early medieval (c. AD 600-1200) Bihar and Bengal, poly-religiosity was generally the norm than an exception, which entailed the evolution of complex patterns of inter-religious equations. Buddhism, Brahmanism and Jainism not only coexisted but also competed for social patronage, forcing them to enter into complex interactions with social institutions and processes. Through an analysis of the published archaeological data, this work explores some aspects of the social history of Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jaina temples and shrines, and Buddhist stūpas and monasteries in early medieval Bihar and Bengal. This archaeological history of religions questions many ‘established’ textual reconstructions, and enriches our understanding of the complex issue of the decline of Buddhism in this area. Please note: Taylor & Francis does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.




The A to Z of Jainism


Book Description

Jain is the term used for a person who has faith in the teachings of the Jinas ('Spiritual Victors'). Jinas are human beings who have overcome all passions (kasayas) and have attained enlightenment or omniscience (kevala-jnana), who teach the truths they realized to others, and who attain liberation (moksa) from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). At the core of these teachings is nonviolence (ahimsa), which has remained the guiding principle of Jain ethics and practices to this day. In comparison with other religious traditions of South Asia, Jains are few in number, comprising less than one percent of India's population. The lay and mendicant communities of the Jain, however, have maintained an unbroken presence in India for more than 2,500 years and have influenced its culture throughout this time. The A to Z of Jainism covers the history of Jainism that spans a period of more than 2,500 years. The history, values, concepts, and scriptures; eminent mendicant, lay leaders, and scholars; and places, institutions, social, and cultural factors are covered in over 450 dictionary entries. This comprehensive reference work also includes an introductory essay, explanation of the Jain scriptures, chronology, appendixes, and bibliography. This book provides an excellent introduction and overview to Jainism for scholars, students, and general readers.




Jaina Rock-cut Caves in Western India


Book Description

This excellent book brings to light 70 rock-cut caves excavated from 1st century B.C. to 15th century A.D. It is a welcome addition to literature on Jain architecture. Buddhist and Brahmanical cavesites the Ajanta Ellora and Elephenta are world famous but Jaina caves except Ellora are little known. This book documents each Jaina cave that has come to light in the region so far its architecture, iconography, stylistic features, etc.




Historical Dictionary of Jainism


Book Description

When Isaac Newton died in 1727 without a will, he left behind a wealth of papers that, when examined, gave his followers and his family a deep sense of unease. Some of what they contained was wildly heretical and alchemically obsessed, hinting at a Newton altogether stranger and less palatable than the one enshrined in Westminster Abbey as the paragon of English rationality. These manuscripts had the potential to undermine not merely Newton's reputation, but that of the scientific method he embodied. They were immediately suppressed as "unfit to be printed," and, aside from brief, troubling glimpses spread across centuries, the papers would remain hidden from sight for more than seven generations. In The Newton Papers, Sarah Dry illuminates the tangled history of these private writings over the course of nearly three hundred years, from the long span of Newton's own life into the present day. The writings, on subjects ranging from secret alchemical formulas to impassioned rejections of the Holy Trinity, would eventually come to light as they moved through the hands of relatives, collectors, and scholars. The story of their disappearance, dispersal, and rediscovery is populated by a diverse cast of characters who pursued and possessed the papers, from economist John Maynard Keynes to controversial Jewish Biblical scholar Abraham Yahuda. Dry's captivating narrative moves between these varied personalities, depicting how, as they chased the image of Newton through the thickets of his various obsessions, these men became obsessed themselves with the allure of defining the "true" Newton. Dry skillfully accounts for the ways with which Newton's pursuers have approached his papers over centuries. Ultimately, The Newton Papers shows how Newton has been made and re-made throughout history by those seeking to reconcile the cosmic contradictions of an extraordinarily complex man.




The Jains


Book Description

The Indian religion of Jainism, whose central tenet involves non-violence to all creatures, is one of the world's oldest and least-understood faiths. Dundas looks at Jainism in its social and doctrinal context, explaining its history, sects, scriptures and ritual, and describing how the Jains have, over 2500 years, defined themselves as a unique religious community. This revised and expanded edition takes account of new research into Jainism.




Studies in Jaina Art and Iconography and Allied Subjects in Honour of Dr. U.P. Shah


Book Description

The Present Volume Is Published By The Oriental Institute, M.S. University Of Baroda In Sacred Memory Of Late Dr. U.P. Shah, Ex-Deputy Director And General Editor, Ramayana Deptt. Of The Institute. It Contains Research Articles Specially Written By Scholar-Friends Of Dr. Shah From The World Over, Ranging From Jaina Philosophy, Jaina Iconography, Art-History To Indian Literature In General, As His Interest Too Ranged To All The Afore-Mentioned Subjects. As Will Be Evident From The Life-Sketch And The Bibliography Of His Works, Dr. Shah Made An Impact In The Field Of Jaina Iconography And Art-History, Though He Handled, With Equal Felicity, Subjects Related To Oriental Studies. Some Of The Articles Appearing In This Volume Break New Ice Regarding Certain Knotty Points Of Jaina Philosophical Thought And Religious Practices. It Would Be Helpful To View The Contents Of This Volume From The Standpoint Of Long, Mutual Affinity And Correlatedness Of The Ancient Vedic And Jaina Traditions That Flourished Coevally Over A Great Stretch Of Time In This Country Of Uncommon Tolerance And Understanding Of Opposing Ideas And Ideals, Evincing Brilliant Insights Into The Problems Of Being And Consciousness Ever Probed By Human Mind. The Methodology Of Symbolical Representation Of Transcendental Principles And Perceptions Evolved In Both Jaina And Brahmanical Traditions Of Thought Is Well-Documented In This Volume, Which Will Prove To Be A Treasure For The Students Of Oriental Studies In General And Indology In Particular




Studies in Jaina History and Culture


Book Description

The last ten years have seen interest in Jainism increasing, with this previously little-known Indian religion assuming a significant place in religious studies. Studies in Jaina History and Culture breaks new ground by investigating the doctrinal differences and debates amongst the Jains rather than presenting Jainism as a seamless whole whose doctrinal core has remained virtually unchanged throughout its long history. The focus of the book is the discourse concerning orthodoxy and heresy in the Jaina tradition, the question of omniscience and Jaina logic, role models for women and female identity, Jaina schools and sects, religious property, law and ethics. The internal diversity of the Jaina tradition and Jain techniques of living with diversity are explored from an interdisciplinary point of view by fifteen leading scholars in Jaina studies. The contributors focus on the principal social units of the tradition: the schools, movements, sects and orders, rather than Jain religious culture in abstract. Peter Flügel provides a representative snapshot of the current state of Jaina studies that will interest students and academics involved in the study of religion or South Asian cultures.