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Hemachandra

Type Figure Region India Time 1088–1172 Also known as Hemachandra、Hemacandra、Acharya Hemachandra、Somachandra

Hemachandra (1088–1172) was an eminent Jain monk, grammarian, and historian of Saurashtra in Gujarat, long patronized by Chaulukya (Solanki) rulers.

Timeline

  1. 1088–1105Dwarka · GujaratBorn in present-day Gujarat, Hemachandra took monastic vows as a child and studied under Jain scholars such as Devachandra, mastering Sanskrit, Pali, and Jain scriptures, and showing outstanding talent in grammar and logic.
  2. 1105–1143Anhilwara Patan · GujaratHighly regarded by the Saurashtra Chaulukya king Jayasimha Siddharaja, Hemachandra directed scholarly and religious affairs at Anhilwara, composed the Siddha-Harsha grammatical system, took part in calendar reform, and built Jain temples. 1111–1120 was the height of his court influence.
  3. 1143–1172Anhilwara Patan · GujaratAfter Jayasimha's death, Hemachandra continued under Kumarapala's patronage, completing grammatical works such as the Yoga-Shastra and Jain historical writings such as the Parishishtaparvan, dying at Anhilwara c. 1172.

Sources