Prakrit evam Jainvidya Shodh Sandarbha

Author(s): Kapurchand Jain
Publisher: Kailashchandra Jain Smruti Nyas

Page 10

Bibliography of Prakrit and Jaina Research
could not be upgraded. This was, therefore, felt that not only their continuity be maintained, but their upgradation should also be done at regular times. With this object in view, a project of Dr. K.C. Jain of K.C. Jain Memorial Trust was approved by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi in 1988 who published the upgraded bibliography in 1988 covering 452 researches under 24 heads. This was followed by its second edition along with a supplement in 1993 covering 735 listing under 24 heads excluding about three dozen researches in foreign lands. This third and current revised edition of this bibliography covers 34 subjects with 1109 entries alongwith 130 researches abroad roughly classified in 12 subjects. These listings indicate the increasing interest in Jainology around the world with a growth rate ranging between 160-180% per ten years. I am sure it will be appreciated by Jainologists and it is hoped this 10-yearly publication will continue unabated.
All people undertaking academic adventures like this have to face many difficulties. This project is also no exception. We had to face two difficulties : (1) Collection of entries and (2) Funding. The first one requires collections from UGC News, news papers, personal contacts and indirect references. All methods have been employed by us. Despite this, we are not fully satisfied with the listings as many might have been unlisted for which we apologise from the scholarly world. It is hoped they will inform us about the new additions as and when they are available with them.
The funding is the most difficult part of such adventures. The earlier fundings were done by UGC and many members of the community it was fortunate for this third and enlarged edition, that Dr. Natubhai Shah, Chairman, World Council of Jain Academies, London agreed to fund this project at my persistent request. He realised the importance of bibliography and wholeheartedly encouraged it. He is one of the most active genious for Jinistic promotion around the world having a good team of collaborators with him. He was the main figure for the consecration ceremony of Leicester Jain Temple including its construction and gallery decoration. He established Jain Samaj, Europe, Jain Academy and now he runs the World Council of Jain Academies with members from many other countries. He is actively participating in Inter-faith Institutions and lectures on Jainism in some European Universities. He has funded 'Jain studies' courses at Leicester, Mumbai, Rajkot and other places. He has earned Ph.D. in Jainism from Holland and I have been associated with him in collaborating in his work on "Conquerors of the World'. Our heartfelt thanks are due to him. Of course, we have to apologise for the delay in publication of this bibliography.
This bibliography has two parts: Jainological researches in (a) India and (b) foreign countries. Most of the new additions on Indian side over 1993 edition have been compiled by Dr. Kapoor Chand Jain of the K.C. Jain Memorial