Jain literature

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Jainism puts great value on learning. Jains have been prolific authors and avid readers for centuries. 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, and grammar. The Jains have used several languages at different times and in different regions of India.

  • Prakrit: Prakrit literature includes the Agamas, Agama-tulya texts, and Siddhanta texts. 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, and Nighantus.
  • Apabhramsha: Produced from about 10th to 15th cent CE, these texts include Kahas, rasas, and grammars. Most of the known Apabhramsha texts are of Jain origin.
  • Tamil: Some of the early Tamil classics such as 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, and Mokshamarga Prakashaka.
  • Kannada: The earliest texts in Kannada, such as 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.