Prakrit Evam Jainvidya Shodh Sandarbha - Book Summary

This document is a comprehensive bibliography of Prakrit and Jaina research, serving as a reference for scholarly work in these fields. Here's a summary of its key aspects:

Book Title: Prakrit evam Jainvidya Shodh Sandarbha (Bibliography of Prakrit and Jaina Research)

Author: Dr. Kapoor Chand Jain

Publisher: Shri Kailashchandra Jain Smruti Nyas (Shri Kailash Chand Jain Memorial Trust)

Edition: Third, fully revised and enlarged edition (published in 2004).

Purpose and Content:

Comprehensive Listing: The book aims to provide an exhaustive and authentic list of research conducted on Prakrit language and literature and various aspects of Jainism. This includes Ph.D. theses, dissertations, and potentially other significant research publications.
Scope: It covers research undertaken in Indian universities and institutions, as well as those conducted in foreign universities.
Organization: The bibliography is meticulously organized by subject, with clear categories for different areas of Prakrit and Jaina studies. These include:
- Prakrit Language and Literature
- Apabhransh Language and Literature
- Sanskrit Language and Literature (with a focus on Jain works)
- Gujarati, Marathi, South Indian, Rajasthani, and Hindi Languages and Literature (related to Jainism)
- Linguistics and Grammar
- Jaina Agams (Canonical Texts)
- Jaina Logic and Philosophy
- Jaina Puranas
- Jaina Ethics, Conduct, Religion, and Yoga
- Jaina History, Culture, Art, and Archaeology
- Comparative Studies (Jainism-Buddhism, Jainism-Vedic Schools)
- Jaina Ram Katha Literature
- Jaina Science and Mathematics
- Personalities and Works of Jain Scholars
- Jaina Sociology, Economics, and Education
- Jaina Politics, Psychology, and Geography
- Ahimsa (Non-violence) and World Peace
- Environment, Vegetarianism
- Gandhism, Human Values
- Ayurveda/Medicine
- Music, Library Science, Journalism
- Miscellaneous, Incomplete, and Unknown studies
- Jaina Research Abroad (a significant section)
- Classified Topics for Future Research
- Index of Researchers
Details Provided: For each research entry, the bibliography typically includes the researcher's name, the topic of the thesis, the university where it was completed, the year of completion, whether it was published or unpublished, and often the supervisor's name. For a significant number of entries (around 200), more detailed information like publisher, price, page count, and chapter names is provided.
Addressing a Need: The preface highlights the critical need for such a bibliography due to the "explosive growth" in Jainism-related literature and the absence of a consolidated, updated list. It notes previous attempts and explains how this third edition is a significant expansion and revision.
Growth of Jainology: The introduction points out the increasing global interest in Jainology, with research growing at a rate of 160-180% per decade.
Funding and Collaboration: The publication acknowledges financial assistance from Dr. Natubhai Shah, Chairman of the World Council of Jain Academies, and thanks numerous scholars and institutions for their contributions.
Dedication: The book is dedicated to Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj.
Call to Readers: The author requests readers to provide feedback on errors, missing entries, or updated contact information to help improve future editions. They also encourage submissions to the Prakrit and Jainology Thesis Library.

Author's Background: Dr. Kapoor Chand Jain, born in 1954, is an accomplished scholar in Jain Religion-Philosophy. He holds an M.A. from BHU and a Ph.D. from Rohilkhand University. He has published numerous books and articles and received several awards. He is actively involved in various academic and social organizations.

Overall Significance: "Prakrit evam Jainvidya Shodh Sandarbha" is a monumental work that serves as an indispensable resource for researchers, scholars, and students interested in Prakrit language, literature, and all facets of Jainism. It not only catalogues existing research but also stimulates future academic inquiry by identifying research gaps and suggesting new areas of study. The inclusion of research conducted both within India and internationally underscores the global recognition and study of Jain traditions.