Studies in Jayarasi Bhatta's Critique of Knowing From Words (Tattvopaplavasimha: Sabdapramanyasya Nirasah)

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This book represents in six English translations of Jayarasi Bhatta's Views on "Word" as Pramana or Evidence which have been stated in the last chapter of his well-known work titled Tattvopaplavasimha, or "The Lion of Theoretical Disturbance". At the Post-Vedic stage, with the consolidation, Sramanic philosophical concepts, and the emergence of Carvakist materialism, Pramana, Evidence, Cognition, achieved considerable importance in Indian Philosophical Systems. The "Word" and its connotations became a subject of endless debate. In this historical context Jayarasi Bhatta added an element of dialectics, and refuted the views of the the Mimamsakas and the Naiyayikas. According to the author of this work, Jayarasi was a sceptic, and not a materialist. In his refutation of Sabdapramana there is a perceivable element of idealism, which takes the "Lion" out of the circle of Carvaka.

This is certainly an important publication of the Asiatic Society which would, I believe, be highly appreciated by the students of Indian Philosophy, and the readers in general, who are willing to study the interesting debate.