Ancient Hindu Jurisprudence
About Vijnaneshwara, author of the Mitakshara.
Shri Vijnaneshwara was the prominent jurist in the rich Indian legal tradition, who wrote the book Mitakshara, which was a commentary on the Yajnavalkya Smriti, the law book expounded by Sage Yajnavalkya of Upanishadic times.
This became a common civil code for the entire India (except the Bengal region). In this book, the author often cites other legal jurists' works in support of his thesis and expounds their texts as well, which shows that there was a long, unbroken tradition of Bharatiya legal jurisprudence.
The original text of the Mitakshara is still relevant, and its understanding is essential for all students of law, lawyers, teachers of law, judges, legislators, research scholars and administrators.
Shri Vijnaneshwara lived in Martur, Kalaburagi District, during the reign of the Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI (1076–1126).
There is a stone inscription in Martur evidencing this fact, and it pays rich tribute to Vijnaneshwara by saying that Emperor Vikramaditya VI of the Chalukya dynasty, wearing his jewelled crown, touched the feet of Vijnaneshwara to honour him.
Further details about Vijnaneshwara can be accessed in the link below. (The article carries a picture that may be placed suitably, subject to permission.)
Sunday Story: “Ignoring Vijnaneshwara, there can't be a greater crime” — Deccan Chronicle →
Mockup note: the news photograph is copyrighted and is not embedded — we link out instead. The Trust will supply its own depiction for the placeholder above.