The Contribution of Jain Authors to Sanskrit Chandaḥ Śāstra

Summary

This article surveys the contributions of Jain scholars to Sanskrit chandaḥśāstra, the study of poetic metres. It begins by explaining the significance of metre in Sanskrit poetry and its codification in classical treatises. The author then profiles Jain authors who composed manuals on metrics, such as Hemacandra, who integrated metrical theory with grammar, and later scholars like Ratnākaraśānti. The paper discusses unique features of Jain metrical treatises, including attention to Prakrit metres and hybrid compositions. It shows how Jain monks used metre both for literary composition and for memorising doctrinal material. By highlighting these contributions, the article challenges the perception that metrical science was solely the domain of Brahmanical scholars.