Prolegomena to Prakritica et Jainica

Author(s): Satyaranjan Banerjee
Publisher: Asiatic Society

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part I, some basic notions of the Prakrit language are given. In part II, some basic historical events are culled out from some recognised and illustrious authors who have laboured much to unfurl the hidden treasures of Jain history. Some of the knotty problems of Jainism which are seldom discussed in ordinary books are also amalgamated here to give emphasis on those themes which will draw the attention of scholars. The part III deals with Jain literature in a chronological order which will help the scholars to write the history of Jainism. The entire gamut of this corpus is written on the basis of the notion that the Prakrit language and literature are the integral parts of Jainistic studies.
This monograph is made on themes. A peep into the contents will demonstrate the truth of this assertion. In editing this corpus I have to follow a little editorial discipline. In some articles proper names are printed "all-cap", such as, PISCHEL, in the main body of the text, but, to maintain parity with other articles where this "all-cap" system is not followed, I have avoided "all-cap" in a name and made them "normal". The older spellings of some names, such as, Çatruñjaya, are kept as they are and have not been tampered with recent spelling as is normally done in the books of Indology. For historical reasons, this so-called older spelling is not crushed down on the plea of reformation and modernization. Similarly, in some cases some older diacritical marks (such as, apabhraňśa) are kept as they are for the sake of history, but, otherwise, normal diacritical marks are followed. Save and except this very insignificant minor editorial discipline, all the articles are printed as they are.
In fine, I should say that I must thank the President and the General Secretary who have urged me to prepare this monograph befitting the climatic condition of the Seminar. If this monograph stimulates the scholars interested in the subject, I shall deem my labour amply rewarded.
1 March 2005
Satya Ranjan Banerjee
Library Secretary The Asiatic Society