Kumārila Bhaṭṭa

Eighth-century Hindu philosopher and scholar of the Mimamsa school.

Chronology: 700 – 700

Origins & Early Life

Kumarila Bhatta (IAST: Kumārila Bhaṭṭa; fl. roughly 7th century CE) was a Hindu philosopher and a scholar of Mimamsa school of philosophy from early medieval India. He wrote three subcommentaries on Sabara's commentary on Jaimini's Purva Mimamsa Sutras, namely the Ślokavārttika, Tantravarttika and Tuptika. Bhaṭṭa was a staunch believer in the supreme validity of Vedic injunction, a champion of Pūrva-Mīmāṃsā and a confirmed ritualist.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His philosophy is classified by some scholars as existential realism. Kumārila is also credited with the logical formulation of the Mimamsic belief that the Vedas are unauthored (apauruṣeyā). In particular, he is known for his defense of Vedic ritualism against medieval Buddhist idealism. His work strongly influenced other schools of Indian philosophy, with the exception that while Mimamsa considers the Upanishads to be subservient to the Vedas, the Vedanta school does not think so. == Early life == The birthplace of Kumārila Bhatta is uncertain.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

According to the 16th-century Buddhist scholar Taranatha, Kumārila was a native of South India. However, Anandagiri's Shankara-Vijaya states that Kumarila came from "the North" (udagdeśāt), and debated the Buddhists...

Source: Wikipedia