Anga

(c. 400 B.C.E. to 500 C.E.)

   The Angas are the 12 main texts that are seen as fundamental by all Jains (see JAINISM). SHVET-AMBARA Jains believe that 11 of these are still extant; DIGAMBARAS believe that none of the original texts any longer exist and that the exist-ing versions are not authoritative. The Angas cover ecclesiastical law, doctrine, determination of false views, and narratives for the laity. The texts were all originally written in Jain Prakrit; however, Jains most commonly refer to them by their SANSKRIT names.

   See also Acharanga Sutra.

   Further reading: Padmanabh S. Jaini, The Jaina Path of Purification (Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1990); Her-mann Jacobi, trans., Jaina Sutras, Sacred Books of the East Series, vols. 22 and 45 (Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1964); K. C. Lalwanti, Sudharma Svami’s Bhagavati Sutra: Prakrit Text with English Translation and Notes Based on the Commentary of Abhayadeva Suri (Calcutta: Jain Bhagwan, 1980); Jogendra Chandra Sikdar, Studies in the Bhagawatisutra (Muzaffarpur: Research Institute of Prakrit, Jainology and Ahimsa, 1964).