Jains In India And Abroad

This comprehensive book, "Jains in India and Abroad: A Sociological Introduction" by Prakash C. Jain, offers a deep dive into the Jain community, exploring their history, philosophy, practices, demographics, and diaspora. Published by the International School for Jain Studies, it aims to provide a sociological understanding of this significant religious minority.

Here's a breakdown of the book's key aspects:

Part 1: Introduction to Jainism and the Jain Way of Life

• The Jains (Chapter 1):

  • Introduces Jainism, its origins, and historical growth across different regions of India.
  • Details the major sects and sub-sects within Jainism (Digambara and Shvetambara, along with their subdivisions).
  • Explores Jain social organization, including family, kinship, and marriage customs, which often mirror Hindu practices but maintain distinct Jain characteristics.
  • Discusses Jain life-cycle rituals, food habits, festivals (like Paryushan Parva), and pilgrimage sites (Teerth Kshetras).
  • Highlights the substantial contributions of Jains to Indian culture and society, particularly in philosophy, languages, literature, arts, and architecture.

• Jain Way of Life (Chapter 2):

  • Focuses on Jain identity, which is rooted in their philosophy and ethics.
  • Delves into core Jain philosophical tenets, including metaphysics (six substances), ontology (Jiva and Ajiva), the doctrine of Karma, epistemology (Anekantvad and Syadvada), and ethics.
  • Explains the Jain path to salvation, emphasizing right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct (Ratnatraya).
  • Outlines the codes of conduct for householders (vows like Anuvratas, Gunavratas, Sikshavratas) and ascetics, noting the distinct levels of observance required.
  • Critically examines the practicality of Jain asceticism for lay followers and discusses how modern social changes and modernization have impacted traditional Jain practices.
  • Analyzes the Jain way of life in a diasporic context, particularly in North America and Europe, introducing concepts like neo-orthodoxy and heterodoxy.
  • Highlights the core Jain values of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantvad (non-absolutism), and Aprigraha (non-possessiveness) as central to a compassionate, healthy, and happy life.
  • Provides practical tips for living a Jain way of life, including self-evaluation scales for various aspects of life.

Part 2: Jain Demography and Diaspora

• Jain Demography (Chapter 3):

  • Presents a detailed analysis of Jain population statistics in India, primarily based on the 1991 and 2001 census data.
  • Discusses the population size, growth rate, and variations by states and union territories, noting the concentration of Jains in western India.
  • Highlights the high degree of urbanization among Jains and their comparatively better sex ratio and literacy rates than many other religious communities.
  • Identifies major demographic challenges, including a slow population growth rate (except for a statistical anomaly in 2001 attributed to ethnic revivalism) and a declining sex ratio, particularly among the younger generation.

• Jain Diaspora and Its Linkages with India (Chapter 4):

  • Profiles the global Jain diaspora, tracing its formation through migration patterns (primarily for trade, commerce, and professional opportunities).
  • Estimates the diaspora population and discusses its sectarian composition, economic status, and the role of socio-cultural associations.
  • Examines Jain communities in various regions: East Africa, West Asia, South and Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
  • Highlights the development of distinct Jain identities abroad, with a strong emphasis on preserving heritage and values.
  • Discusses the linkages between the Jain diaspora and India, including trade relations, associational networks, marriage, pilgrimage, and tourism.
  • Features prominent Jain international associations like JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in North America), JITO (Jain International Trade Organisation), and the Jain Social Groups' International Federation, detailing their activities and contributions.
  • Mentions initiatives like the International Summer School for Jain Studies and the establishment of Jain Chairs in universities abroad, signifying efforts to promote academic research and understanding of Jainism.

Part 3: Towards a Sociology of the Jain Community

• Towards a Sociology of the Jain Community (Chapter 5):
  • Addresses the relative scarcity of sociological and anthropological studies on the Jain community, advocating for more in-depth research.
  • Reviews existing sociological literature on Jainism, from Max Weber to contemporary scholars.
  • Reiterates the need for sociological validation of demographic trends and calls for studies on migration patterns, inter-religious and inter-caste marriages, and the impact of modernization.
  • Explores the intricacies of Jain social organization, including sectarian divisions, the role of caste (though not ritually hierarchical as in Hinduism, it functions as status groups), and family structures (both joint and nuclear).
  • Discusses the economic status of Jains, their traditional roles in trade and commerce, and their relative affluence, exploring both Weberian and Marxist explanations.
  • Examines the minority status of Jains in India, their struggle for official recognition as a distinct religious minority, and the associated political and social implications.
  • Analyzes the political participation of Jains, noting their historical involvement in the independence movement but a subsequent decline in active politics.
  • Explores the "dualistic organization" of Jains, characterized by a dual ethic or value system that helps them maintain their identity while interacting with the majority community.
  • Discusses the religious ethic of Jainism, emphasizing individualism, karma, and the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
  • Examines inter-ethnic relations, highlighting Jain tolerance stemming from their doctrine of relative pluralism (Anekantvad) but also noting historical instances of conflict and ongoing social distance.
  • Proposes conceptual frameworks for future sociological research, including modernization theory, Marxist theory, Weberian insights, symbolic interactionism, and case studies.
  • Concludes by emphasizing the need for more systematic research across various disciplines and calling for proactive strategies from Jain institutions to address knowledge gaps and promote sociological studies.

Appendices: The book includes valuable appendices, such as population data by religious communities, caste distribution, a letter to the Prime Minister requesting a separate Jain Marriage Act, a list of prominent Jain public figures of the 20th century, and a directory of Jain associations abroad.

In essence, "Jains in India and Abroad" provides a comprehensive and nuanced sociological introduction to the Jain community, offering insights into their rich history, distinctive philosophy, evolving social structures, demographic trends, and their significant presence both within India and across the globe.