The Invention of Jainism: A Short History of Jaina Studies

Main author: Flügel, Peter
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-98
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description The article provides a short summary of the institutional history of the new field of 'Jain Studies' in its historical and political context. It shows that the Sanskrit term 'Jaina' used as a self-designation (rather than as the designation of a doctrine or in the sense of 'pertaining to the Jina') is based on the vernacular precursor 'Jain' which became prevalent from the early modern period onwards - most likely as an internalised observer category. The words 'Jain' and 'Jainism' became widely used only in the context of 19th communal movements in colonian India. At the same time the Jain scriptures were published to back the identity claims of the Jaina law movement and modern 'Jainism' as a disembodied text-based set of idea-ologies or dogmas from which one can pick and chose was born.
format Journal Article
author Flügel, Peter
author_facet Flügel, Peter
authorStr Flügel, Peter
author_letter Flügel, Peter
title The Invention of Jainism: A Short History of Jaina Studies
publisher SOAS Centre of Jaina Studies
publishDate 2005
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/98/