Yashastilaka: Aspects of Jainism Indian Thought and Culture

Book Detail

• Author: Krishna Kant Handiqui
• Brand: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 386
• Release Date: 01-01-2022
• EAN: 9788124606001
• Package Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.4 x 1.5 inches
• Languages: English

Description: Yashastilaka by Somadeva, composed in CE 959, is a Jaina religious romance written in Sanskrit prose and verse. It is significant not only for its narrative but also for its encyclopedic portrayal of literary, socio-political, religious, and philosophical aspects, offering valuable insights into the cultural history of the Deccan in early medieval India. This book presents a critical study of Yashastilaka, providing a thorough exploration of the life and thoughts during Somadeva’s era.

The volume begins with an analysis of Somadeva’s life and his time, followed by a synopsis of Yashastilaka. It examines the work both as a prose and religious romance, as a socio-political record, and as a collection of Sanskrit verse. The book delves into the various philosophical doctrines found within the text, shedding light on Jaina dogmatics and religious teachings.

Additionally, Yashastilaka is explored through its moral and religious stories, myths, and legends, making it a comprehensive anthology of Jaina thought and literature. Supplementary notes in the volume incorporate recent studies on Somadeva’s relationship with the Vemulavada Calukyas and the geographic context in which he wrote his masterpiece.

This critical study, filled with detailed references and footnotes, is an essential resource for scholars interested in Jainism, early medieval Indian culture, and the philosophical and literary traditions of the period.

Author Details: Krishna Kant Handiqui is a renowned scholar with expertise in ancient Indian literature, philosophy, and history. His work focuses on critical studies of classical texts and their socio-cultural contexts. Handiqui's deep understanding of Jaina literature and his scholarly approach to the study of Sanskrit texts have made his work a valuable resource for students and researchers in the field.