________________
History of Jainism in Bihar. B.K. Tiwary. Gurgaon: The Academic Press. 1996. 233 pps.
History of Jainism in Bihar by B.K. Tiwary is an ambitious work, chronicling the development and subsequent fortunes of Jainism in the Bihar region from the 6th century B.C.E, to the 12th century C.E. The text is divided into chapters which focus on the life and work of Mahāvīra, Jainism before the Mauryans, Jainism in the Mauryan Period, Jainism before the Guptas, Jainism in the Gupta Period, and the Last Phase, which discusses Jainism between 600 and 1200 C.E. In each of these chapters, Tiwary discusses the significance of various place names, and provides archaeological, epigraphic, textual, and sculptural evidence illustrating the influence of Jainism in Bihar. The position of Jainism in each of these historical periods is discussed relative to the larger socio-political climate, enabling Tiwary to suggest reasons for variations in Jaina influence. In addition, the text provides the reader with helpful maps, illustrating the towns and areas significant to his study. Tiwary's attention to detail, although informative and compelling for the specialist, may overwhelm the general reader. Although he occasionally sacrifices argument in favour of detail. Tiwary's History of Jainism in Bihar nonetheless provides readers with a detailed account of the legacy of Jainism in this region.
Tinamarie Jones Department of Religious Studies McMaster University Hamilton, Canada
67
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
