Adinatha Neminatha: A Life Sketch of Dr. A. N. Upadhye

Summary

This commemorative essay honours Dr. A. N. Upadhye (Adinath Neminath Upadhye), a towering figure in twentieth‑century Jainology. Born in 1906 in Karnataka, Upadhye studied Sanskrit, Prakrit and Kannada, earning his doctorate under the guidance of the eminent Indologist A. N. Bhandarkar. He taught at various institutions, including the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute and the University of Mysore, before becoming the head of the Department of Sanskrit at Karnatak University. The article outlines his academic career, highlighting his prolific output of critical editions, translations and research articles. Upadhye’s scholarship spanned a broad range of topics. He produced critical editions of important Jaina texts such as the Paumacariyam and the Jīvājīvābhigama, and translated works like the Tiloya‑pañcavihiṃ. He wrote extensively on Jain philosophy, Prakrit grammar and Kannada literature, and mentored a generation of scholars who continued his legacy. The author recounts anecdotes illustrating Upadhye’s meticulousness, his humility despite his erudition, and his dedication to mentoring students irrespective of their background. The essay also emphasises Upadhye’s role in institution‑building. He was instrumental in establishing the Jaina Research Institute at the Deccan College and in organising conferences that brought together scholars and monks. His work facilitated collaboration between Western and Indian academics and contributed to the preservation of manuscripts. Even after retirement, Upadhye continued to write and advise students until his death in 1975. By documenting Upadhye’s life and achievements, the article provides insight into the evolution of Jainological studies in the twentieth century. It portrays him not merely as a scholar but as a bridge between traditional learning and modern critical scholarship.