The Polymath of Gujarat
Hemachandra was a prolific scholar and monk of the Śvetāmbara school of Jainism. Born in Dhandhuka, India, he was a man of immense intellect, earning the title kalikālasarvajña, meaning "the knower of all knowledge in his times." His vast contributions spanned numerous disciplines, including mathematics, history, philosophy, poetry, and grammar. As a grammarian, he produced the Siddha-Hema-Śabdanuśāśana, a work that included six different languages. He is also recognized as the father of the Gujarati language.
His mathematical insights were profound; he described the Fibonacci sequence around 1150, decades before Fibonacci. He also applied mathematical principles to the study of Sanskrit poetic rhythms, calculating the various patterns possible from short and long syllables.
A Life of Scholarship and Service
Throughout his life, Hemachandra served as an adviser to King Kumārapāla and was a prominent figure in the Chaulukya royal court. His literary output was vast, ranging from the epic poem Triśaṣṭi-śalākā-puruṣacarita, which details the lives of important figures in Jainism, to political treatises like the Arhannīti. He was a master of many forms, including lexicography, prosody, and logic.
Hemachandra's influence extended into the social and religious fabric of the region. His involvement in the construction of the Jain temple at Taranga and his influence on King Kumārapāla contributed to Jainism becoming the official religion of Gujarat. He concluded his life through the practice of sallekhana, a Jaina fast, and died in Patan.
Questions & Answers
What aliases or alternate names does Hemachandra have?
Hemachandra appears under the alternate names Acharya Hemachandra Suri, Hemacandra, Acharya Hemachandra, हेमचन्द्राचार्य, ヘーマチャンドラ.
How can I see every artwork made by Hemachandra?
Every work by Hemachandra on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.
What moods do Hemachandra's artworks express?
Hemachandra's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.
