On the Indian Sect of the Jainas

This compact translation brings a once‑obscure 19th‑century essay into clear, modern English, offering a concise overview of the Jain community and its place in Indian religious history. Originally delivered to the Imperial Academy of Sciences in Vienna, the text was intended to bridge the gap between European scholarship and native Indian readers, presenting the essentials of Jain doctrine, practice and literature without the barrier of a foreign language.

The work outlines the sect’s origins alongside Buddhism, introducing the central figure of the Jina—the “conqueror”—and describing how Jainism spread among merchant towns from Gujarat to the Dravidian south. It explains the two main branches, Digambara and Śvetāmbara, highlighting their contrasting views on monastic attire and the symbolic meanings behind those choices. An appended sketch of Jain mythology and a detailed discussion of temple iconography provide valuable context for archaeologists and art historians alike.

Supplemented with brief footnotes and a clear outline of mythic narratives, the book serves as an accessible reference for anyone interested in the religious, cultural, and historical dimensions of this enduring Indian tradition.