Here are some good books (mainly in English) that explain the history and development of Jain sects – Śvetāmbara, Digambara, and sub‑sects:

1. Broad, reliable overviews (start here)

1. “The Jains” – Paul Dundas

- One of the best modern introductions. - Has clear chapters on how Digambar and Śvetāmbara sects formed, their differences in scripture, monastic rules, clothing (sky‑clad vs. white‑clad), etc.

1. “Jainism: An Indian Religion of Salvation” – Helmuth von Glasenapp

- Classic work. - Explains early Jain history and then how different sects and traditions emerged over time.

1. “Outlines of Jainism” – L. Annie Besant / J. Stevenson (often printed simply as “Outlines of Jainism”)

- Easier language. - Includes a shorter but clear section on Jain sects and their main doctrinal/practical differences.

2. Focus on community and sect differences

1. “The Jaina Community: A Social Survey” – Vilas Adinath Sangave

- Very useful for understanding Śvetāmbara vs. Digambara, and also sub‑sects like - Śvetāmbara: Mūrtipūjaka, Sthānakavāsī, Terāpanthī - Digambara: different gacchas and bhaṭṭārakas, regional groupings. - Explains how these sects live in society, not just their beliefs.

1. Articles/chapters by Padmanabh S. Jaini (often collected in “Collected Papers on Jaina Studies”)

- Several essays explain sectarian debates (for example about nudity, women’s liberation, scripture authenticity) which are central to understanding why sects separated.

3. More historical detail

1. “History of Jainism” – Jyoti Prasad Jain (sometimes printed as “Jainism: The Oldest Living Religion”)

- Gives continuous Jain history from ancient times to the modern period, including the rise of sects and sub‑sects.

1. “Studies in Jaina History and Culture” (edited volumes by various scholars)

- These are collections of research papers; a bit advanced, but they go deep into specific sectarian developments, inscriptions, and regional histories.

4. Hindi & traditional‑oriented works (if you read Hindi)

These often give history from a more insider, devotional angle:

1. “Jain Dharm ka Itihās” (various authors; many pathśālā & sangh editions)

- Usually includes separate chapters on - Śvetāmbara – their main ācārya‑paramparā, gacchas, and reforms. - Digambara – muni‑paramparā, bhaṭṭāraka tradition, important ācāryas.

1. Sampradāy‑vishesh pustak (often titled along the lines of):

- “Śvetāmbara Jain Sampradāy kā Itihās” - “Digambar Jain Sampradāy kā Itihās” - These are usually available from Jain granth‑bhandārs; language is simple and more focused on ācāryas, saṅgh‑yātrā, and temple history.

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How to choose:

• If you want one solid modern book in English – start with Paul Dundas, “The Jains.”
• If you want social and community details (who follows what, where, and how) – read Sangave, “The Jaina Community: A Social Survey.”
• If you read Hindi and want a dhārmik + historical style, look for a good edition of “Jain Dharm ka Itihās” used in pathśālās.

If you tell me your preferred language (English/Hindi/Gujarati) and level (very simple / detailed), I can narrow this list to 2–3 most suitable titles for you.