An Introduction to The Uttarajjhayana (An Old and Rare Book)

The Department of Jainology, University of Madras was created on 29th August, 1983 on the Post-Centenary Silver Jubliee Celebrations of the University with an Endowment of Rs. 15 Lakhs collected from members of all sects of Jain Community and others by Research Foundation for Jainology, Madras.

The growth of the Department form the time of it commenced functioning, I 1985 to date is there for all to see; it is gratifying that it has been possible through the unflinching and parallel efforts of Research Foundation for Jainology, Madras. They are ever ready and always willing to be of useful assistance to the Department for augmenting its growth.

It is indeed befitting that the third Annual Lecture Series, 1988 was delivered by no less than eminent scholar Dr. R.P. Poddar, Deputy Director, Dept of Higher Education, Govt. of Bihar, Patna.

After the creating of a new Department, even at the infant stage, these annual lectures were arranged by the involved efforts of renowned scholar, Late Dr. T.G. Kalghatgi for the benefit of not only the scholars and students of the Department but also the community at large.

The steady growth of the Department is possible by instincting efforts made by beloved scholar Dr. M.D. Vasantharaj as Professor and head from 1988 to 1991. After retirement his continued parental care for the Department and association with Research Foundation for Jainology activities really remarkable.

My all appreciation to Dr. N. Vasupal, Reader & Head I/C, Dept. of Jainology, from 1991 onwards who is maintaining the Department with all sincere care, with the assistance of Smt. N. Santha Devi, M.A., M.Phil. as Temporary Lecture in the academic activities.

It is gratifying that the Department of Jainology, University of Madras has brought out that Lecture Series of Dr. R.P. Poddar in book form. It gives me great satisfaction, as General Secretary of Research Foundation for Jainology that literature of immense value emerging out of these lectures is bound to inspire new and younger generations for deep Jainological studies and research.

We sincerely hope that this book will be found useful by all those interested in acquiring and increasing their spiritual knowledge.