History of Jainism with Special Reference to Mathura 

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From the Jacket 

As one of the world's major religions, founded on the spiritual principles of ahimsa (non-violence), truth, and righteous conduct, Jainism has today 2,600 years of a splendid living tradition - with a well-defined world view, metaphysics and code of ethics. A leading scholar, V.K. Sharma here presents an altogether fresh, pan-Indian historical survey of this great religion, spelling out its beginning, antiquity, doctrines, tirthamkaras, country-wide spread and, among other aspects, its contribution to India's culture and art heritage - in all its varied manifestations. 

In the latter part of the book, the author comes to focus upon Jainism in the specific contexts of Mathura - one of the India's ancient cities, which not only is venerated as the legendary birthplace of Lord Krsna, but is also famed as an eminent centre of Brahmanical Buddhist and Jaina art. Thus shows Dr. Sharma how this principal Vaisnava centre today had been a stronghold of Jainism: from c. second century BC to about eleventh century AD; how it has contributed to Jaina canon, literature and iconography; and how in Mathura is traceable the centuries-long, unbroken history of Jaina plastic art.   

Setting out a panoramic view of Jaina architecture, sculptural art, and socio-religious life over the ages, specially in the sacred city of Mathura, this study is based on wide ranging authoritative sources and supplemented by a number of highly representatives illustrations.   

About the Author 

V.K. Sharma Agra University's Ph.D. (History) is a reputed scholar with varied academic and research concerns -which are abundantly reflected in his writings. Besides the co-authorship of Terracotta Catalogue of Mathura Museum (published in AD 2000) and his numerous presentations at regional/national/International seminars and conferences, he has published articles on varying themes in different print media and has, in addition, produced biographical profiles of eminent Indian personalities for certain reputed journals as well as books. Currently, he is working on "The History of Mathura" - a project whereupon he has already expended over a decade-long research effort.   

Having taught at several collages affiliated to the universities of Panjab and Agra for abut thirty five years, Dr Sharma retired as Head, Department of History, K. R. Post-Graduate Collage, Mathura.