Jain literature

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Jainism puts great stress on learning. Jains have been prolific authors and avid readers. India's oldest manuscript libraries have been preserved in Jaisalmer and Patan by Jain scholars. According to the 2001 census, the Jains are the most literate community in India.

Jain Manuscript showing dreams of Mother of Lord Mahavira.
Jain Manuscript showing dreams of Mother of Lord Mahavira.

The Jain literature includes both religious texts and books on generally secular topics such as sciences, history, grammars etc. The Jains have used several languages at different times and regions of India.

  • Prakrit: includes the Agamas, Agama-tulya texts, Siddhanta texts etc. Composition in Prakrits ceased around 10th cent AD.
  • Sanskrit: Writing in Sanskrit became common after about 1st cent. CE., starting with Tatvartha Sutra of Uma Swati. Jain Sanskrit literature includes Puranas, Koshas, Shravakacharas, Mathematics, Nighantus etc.
  • Apabhramsha: from about 10th to 15th cent CE. The texts include Kahas, rasas, grammars etc. Most of the known Apabhramsha texts are of Jain origin.
  • Tamil: Some of early Tamil classics like Tirukural, Cilappatikaram and Jivakachintamani are Jain works.
  • Hindi: In the past 8-9 centuries numerous Jain texts in Hindi have been written which include Ardha-kathanaka, Chhah-dhala, Mokshamarga Prakashaka etc.
  • Kannada: The earliest texts in Kannada like Vaddaradhane are works of Jain authors.
  • Gujarati: Bharata-Bahubali Ras, the first Gujarati book, was by a Jain author.

Well known Jain mathematicians include Virasena, Mahaviracharya, Hemachandra and Mahendra Suri.

[edit] External links

  • www.AtmaDharma.com/jainbooks.html Original Jain Scriptures (Shastras) with Translations into modern languages such as English, Hindi and Gujarati. Literature such as Kundkund Acharya's Samaysaar, Niyamsaar, Pravachansaar, Panchastikay, Ashtphaud and 100's of others all in downloadable PDF format.
  • Jain Scriptures
  • Clay Sanskrit Library publishes classical Indian literature, including a number of works of Jain Literature, with facing-page text and translation. Also offers searchable corpus and downloadable materials.
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