Epigraphia Indica Vol 28

SR No.: 032582
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Hirananda Shastri
Publisher: Archaeological Survey of India
Publication Year: 1949
Total Pages: 526
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 31 MB

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EPIGRAPHIA INDICA
[VOL. XXVIII
beginning of this study, connecting the name of Akalanka and his disciple Bhattākalanka with the Jaina matha at Sõnda.
Akalanka II and Bhattākalanka were the most celebrated teachers of the line, and the Bīļigi epigraphs furnish the following information about them. They were held in esteem not only in the chiefdoms of the west coast, but were also renowned in other parts of the country on account of their profound learning and versatile scholarship. Well-versed in secular arts, a pleasing personality, of extraordinary ability and immaculate character, Akalanka II rose to eminence as the foremost among the circle of preceptors on account of his incessant practice of proclaiming and expounding the scriptures, tendered with affection. His disciple Bhattakalanka had mastered several branches of learning, was endowed with many good qualities and excelled in the art of exposition. Proficient in the treatises of his own school of philosophy as well as in those of others, constantly engaged in study and teaching, he proved himself to be an impressive figure, a critical scholar and a judicious advocate in the royal courts and in the assembly of learned men. It is stated at the end of the Bisigi inscriptions that they were written by Bhattākalanka. We can detect the personality of the learned author in these epigraphic compositions which evince scholarly treatment and literary style in its excellence.
A Jaina teacher named Bhattakalanka is the author of the Karnataka-Sabdānu sāsana, a scholarly treatise on Kannada grammar, written in Sanskrit in the sutra style of Pāņini." This work is not only more elaborate and exhaustive than the previous ones, but also more methodical in the treatment of the subject. It may be said to be to Kannada what the Ashţādhyāyi is to Sanskrit and its learned commentary (written by the author himself) may in a way be compared to the Mahābhäshya of Patañjali". This work was completed in 1604 A.C. From the colophon of the work, it is gathered that the author's teacher was Akalanka who was learned and assisted him in its composition, that these preceptors belonged to the lineage of Chărukīrti Pandita and that they bore all the titles and epithets of the teachers of Sangitapura noticed above. Noteworthy among them is the characteristic title Sangitapura-simhasana-pattācharya which is also applied to Akalanka in the first nishidhi inscription from Sõndā as seen above.
Judging from the evidence adduced so far, it may be safely concluded that the grammarian Bhattākalanka and his teacher Akalanka are identical with Bhattākalanka and Akalanka II of the line of teachers from Sangitapura. We may further recognise the identity of the same two teachers in the two nishidhi records from Söndā under study. The intimate connection of the grammarian Bhattākalanka as well as of his preceptor Akalanka with Söndā is attested by another authority also. This is Dēvachandra, an author of the last century, who states in his Rājāvaļīkathe that the grammarian Bhattākalanka learnt all the sciences at Sudhāpura, i.e., Sõndā, naturally under his teacher Akalanka.
Lastly, we may note that the above identification does not lead to any inconsistencies. although it might confer longevity upon the two teachers. The earliest date available for Akalanka II from an inscription is Saka 1487 or 1564 A.C. and he died in 1607 A.C. according to A. This would show that he lived approximately over 60 years. Similarly Bhattākalanka was alive in 1587 A.C. and he passed away in 1655 A.C. According to B. So ho might have lived approximately over 80 years.
1 Karnataka Sabdanuáāsana (op. cit.), Intro. p. 7. * Ibid., p. 6.
Akalanka II figures in a copper-plate record as the preceptor of the Biligi ruler 'Rangaraja. The epigraph refors itself to the reign of the Vijayanagara king Sadāáiva and is dated Suka 1487, Raktákshi; Jam Karnafaka. 1925-26, copper-plate records from Svadi, No. 2.