Functions of Multiple-Text Manuscripts in India: The Jain Case

Abstract

: After a brief introduction on basics relating to Jain manuscript culture and a terminological discussion of the multiple-text manuscript (MTM) concept along with the treatment of Jain MTMs in manuscript catalogues, the present paper considers the possible reasons motivating the MTM phenomenon. The main part of the investigation concerns the combinations available in Jain MTMs, from binary associations to large-scale MTMs. The issue of canonized assemblages versus dynamic collections and the issue of language in MTMs which has to be connected with the coexistent use of languages in the Jain tradition (Prakrit, Sanskrit and vernaculars) are discussed with the support of instances as available in palm leaf and paper manuscripts, in pothīs and codices.