An evaluation of Nyāyasūtra 1.1.2 in the light of Jayantabhaṭṭa’s Nyāyamañjarī

Abstract

Jayantabhaṭṭa’s magnum opus Nyāyamañjarī is considered as an independent text on Nyāya-darśana. The importance of Nyāyamañjarī lies in its refutation of the other philosophical doctrines. Jayantabhaṭṭa, as an ardent advocate of Prācīna-Nyāya tries to defend the philosophy of Gautama and Vātsyāyaṇa. In Nyāyamañjarī, while discussing the general definition of pramāṇa, he incorporates various parallel and contextual discussions on it. In this process, Jayantabhaṭṭa even analytically criticizes his own predecessor i.e., sūtrakāra Gautama by commenting upon Nyāyasūtra 1.1.2. This paper is an attempt to discuss the interpretation of Jayantabhaṭṭa on Gautama’s presentation of Nyāyasūtra which talks of pramāṇa.