Question

Identify the Jain Acharyas who are primarily recognized as Logicians (Naiyayikas) from the following:
A. Acharya Akalankadeva
B. Acharya Prabhachandra
C. Acharya Hemachandra
D. Acharya Yogindudeva
E. Acharya Narendrasena

• A. Only C, D, E
• B. Only B, C, E
• C. Only A, C, D
• D. Only A, B, C

Hint:

In Jain logic exams, look for authors of "Mimamsa," "Martanda," or "Chandra" texts. Akalanka, Vidyanandi, Prabhachandra, and Hemachandra are the "Big Four" of Jain Nyaya.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Jain philosophy underwent a major "Logical turn" between the 5th and 12th centuries AD. During this period, Jain scholars moved from simple scriptural statements to rigorous logical defense and critique of other systems like Nyaya, Buddhism, and Mimamsa. Scholars who contributed to the fields of Pramana (Epistemology) and Nyaya (Logic) are called Jain Logicians.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Acharya Akalankadeva (A): He is considered the greatest Jain logician. Living in the 8th century AD, he authored the Aklanka-grantha-traya and Tattvartha-Vartika. He redefined the Jain theory of perception and logic to compete with the Buddhist logician Dharmakirti. He is the master of Jain Nyaya.
2. Acharya Prabhachandra (B): A prominent logician of the 11th century AD, he wrote monumental commentaries like Prameyakamalamartanda and Nyayakumudachandra. These texts are exhaustive defenses of Jain epistemology against rival schools.
3. Acharya Hemachandra (C): Known as the Kalikala Sarvajna (Omniscient of the Iron Age), he was a 12th-century polymath. His work Pramana-Mimamsa is a classic text on Jain logic, written in the Sutra style. He integrated logic, grammar, and literature.
4. Why D and E are excluded:
- Acharya Yogindudeva (D): He was a mystic and a poet of the Apabhramsha language, famous for works like Paramatmaprakasha. His focus was on spiritual mysticism (Adhyatma), not formal logic (Nyaya).
- Acharya Narendrasena (E): While a respected scholar, his primary contributions were in fields other than the core foundational Jain Nyaya established by the others.
The core logical trio in this list is A, B, and C.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Jain Logicians among the options are Akalankadeva, Prabhachandra, and Hemachandra.