Indian Antiquary Vol 44

This collection of articles from the Indian Antiquary, Volume XLIV (1915), offers a diverse exploration of Indian history, linguistics, art, and archaeology. While the primary focus isn't exclusively Jain, several articles touch upon or are relevant to Jainism through their linguistic and historical analyses, particularly in the context of Old Western Rajasthani and its relationship with other languages.

Here's a summary of the key themes and relevant content:

Linguistics and Philology:

• "Notes on the Grammar of the Old Western Rajasthani with Special Reference to Apabhramsa and to Gujarati and Marwari" by Dr. L. P. Tessitori: This multi-part series (spanning several issues from p. 3 onwards) is a cornerstone of the volume. It provides a detailed linguistic analysis of Old Western Rajasthani, tracing its evolution and connections to Apabhramsa, Gujarati, and Marwari. While not directly about Jain languages, the study of Apabhramsa is crucial for understanding the development of Prakrit and, by extension, the languages used in early Jain literature. Tessitori's work provides a framework for understanding the linguistic landscape in which Jain texts were composed and disseminated.
• "A Note on Some Special Features of Pronunciation, Etc., in the Gujarati Language" by N. B. Divatia: This note, continuing from a previous issue, discusses specific phonetic changes in Gujarati, referencing Dr. Tessitori's work on Old Western Rajasthani. While the focus is on Gujarati, it highlights linguistic connections and divergences that are relevant to understanding the broader family of Indo-Aryan languages, within which Jain languages also fall.

History and Archaeology:

• "The History of the Naik Kingdom of Madura" by V. Rangachari: This extensive series (starting from p. 37) details the political, administrative, and military history of the Naik kingdom. It offers insights into the societal structures, religious practices (including the interplay of Saivism and Vaishnavism), and the Polygar system. Understanding these historical contexts is important for placing Jainism within the broader socio-political landscape of South India.
• "The Ancient History of Magadha" by S. V. Venkateswara Aiyar: This article discusses the dynasties and chronology of Magadha, a region historically significant for the origins and early development of both Buddhism and Jainism. It delves into the Sisunaga and Pradyota dynasties, their relationship with the Buddha and Mahavira, and the complexities of ancient Indian chronology derived from Puranic, Buddhist, and Jaina traditions.
• "The Masrur Rock Temple, Kangra District, Panjab" by H. L. Shuttleworth: This article describes a rock-hewn Vaishnava temple. While the focus is on Vaishnavism, the broader study of rock-cut architecture and sculpture in ancient India is relevant to understanding similar sites that might have Jain connections, or to compare stylistic developments across religious traditions.

General Oriental Research:

• The Indian Antiquary itself: As a journal of Oriental Research, the entire volume contributes to the scholarly understanding of India's rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Many articles, even those not directly on Jainism, provide contextual information about the religious, social, and political environments in which Jainism flourished and evolved.

Relevance to Jain Studies:

While no single article is exclusively dedicated to Jainism, the volume is valuable for Jain studies due to:

1. Linguistic Foundations: Tessitori's detailed grammatical analysis of Old Western Rajasthani and its connections to Apabhramsa are fundamental for scholars studying the linguistic evolution of Jain canonical and post-canonical literature, much of which was composed in these Prakrit and Apabhramsa dialects.
2. Historical Context: The articles on Magadha and the Naik kingdom provide essential historical and geographical backdrops against which the development and spread of Jainism can be understood.
3. Comparative Religious Studies: The discussions on the religious syncretism and evolution within the Vijayanagara empire, and the mentions of early Buddhist and Jain coexistence in Kanchipura, offer comparative perspectives relevant to understanding Jainism's interactions with other Indian religious traditions.

In essence, this volume of the Indian Antiquary serves as a rich resource for scholars interested in the historical and linguistic milieu of ancient and medieval India, which indirectly supports the study of Jainism by providing crucial contextual information.