Hemachandra
Also called: Hemachandracharya · Topic: Early Medieval North India: Harsha to the Rajputs · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Hemachandra (1088–1173) was a Jain monk and scholar in Gujarat. He worked at the court of the Chaulukya kings Siddharaja Jayasimha and Kumarapala. He wrote on grammar, poetry, dictionaries and history. He made Gujarat a centre of learning and helped Jainism grow strong there.
Example
For Siddharaja he wrote the grammar Siddha-Hema-Shabdanushasana. He also wrote the Trishashti-shalaka-purusha-charita, about the lives of 63 great Jain figures. He influenced King Kumarapala, who supported Jainism and promoted ahimsa (non-violence).
Don't confuse with
- Mahavira, the mathematician: a Jain scholar at the court of the Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha. He wrote on mathematics, not on grammar.
Related concepts
- Agnikula legend
- Paramaras
- Raja Bhoja
- Bhojeshwar temple
- Bhojshala
- Samarangana Sutradhara
- Chandela dynasty
- Khajuraho group of monuments
- Kandariya Mahadeva temple
- Chaulukya dynasty