Question

Who is the author of the text Nyayadipika?

• A. Acharya Pujyapada
• B. Acharya Manikyanandi
• C. Abhinava Dharmabhushana
• D. Laghu Anantavirya

Hint:

Nyaya = Logic; Dipika = Lamp. The "Lamp of Logic" was authored by Dharmabhushana to illuminate the path of Jain epistemology.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Nyayadipika is a significant work on Jain logic (Nyaya-shastra). It serves as a comprehensive commentary and manual for understanding the complexities of Jain epistemology, focusing on Pramana (means of knowledge) and Naya (viewpoints).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. The Author: Abhinava Dharmabhushana Yati (around the 14th-15th century) authored this work. He was a prominent scholar in the Digambara Jain tradition.
2. Content: The text is structured to explain the definitions provided in Manikyanandi's Parikshamukham. It delves deep into the nature of valid knowledge (Svapara-vyavasayi jnanam) and critiques the views of other Indian philosophical schools like Nyaya and Buddhism.
3. Significance: It is often used as a primary textbook for students of Jain logic because it simplifies the dense logic of earlier masters like Akalanka and Vidyanandi while maintaining philosophical rigor.
4. Other Options:
- Manikyanandi wrote Parikshamukham.
- Anantavirya wrote commentaries on Parikshamukham (like Prameya-ratnamala), but the specific title Nyayadipika belongs to Dharmabhushana.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Abhinava Dharmabhushana is the author of Nyayadipika.