About the Book

The present volume is published by the Oriental Institute, M.S. University of Baroda in sacred memory of late Dr. U.P. Shah, Ex-Deputy Director and General Editor, Ramayana Deptt. of the Institute. It contains research articles specially written by scholar-friends of Dr. Shah Philosophy, Jaina Iconography, Art-History to Indian Literature in general as his interest too ranged to all the afore mentioned subjects.

As will be evident from the life-sketch and the bibliography of his works, Dr. Shah made an impact in the field of Jaina Iconography and Art-History, though he handled, with equal felicity, subjects related to Oriental studies. Some of the articles appearing in this volume break new ice regarding certain knotty points of Jaina philosophical thought and religious practices. It would be helpful to view the contents of this volume from the standpoint of long, mutual affinity and correlatedness of the ancient Vedic and Jaina traditions that flourished coevally over a great stretch of time in this country of uncommon tolerance and understanding of opposing ideas and ideals, evincing brilliant insights into the problems of Being and Consciousness ever probed by human mind. The methodology of symbolical representation of transcendental principles and perceptions evolved in both Jaina and Brahmanical traditions of thought is well-documented in this volume, which will prove to be a treasure for the student of Oriental studies in general and Indology in particular.

About the Author

The Chief Editor of this Commemoration Volume, Dr. Ramkrishna Tulajaram Vyas was born in 1934. He took his B.A. and M.A. Degrees from the Bombay University. He was also awarded Ph.D. Degree for his thesis entitled "Brhadarranyaka Upnisad: A Critical Study" by the same University. He is also Vyakaranacarya and Sahityaratna (Hindi).

He has a very long-standing teaching, research and administrative experience in different capacities. He served in the Oriental Institute of Baroda as its Dy. Director for five years and also as its Director for seven years i.e. 1987-1994. He retired recently as its Director on 31st Oct. 1994.

Five books written and nine books edited by him are published. More than sixty research papers, written by him are published in different research journals and periodicals. He participated in many regional, national and international seminars, conferences and workshops. He worked in several capacities as member, Secretary, Chairman etc. in several committees.