SHRI A. SUBAIYYA SHASTRI

Shri A. Subaiyya Shastri, an eminent Sanskrit scholar, was born in village Keruwase in South Kanara Distt (Karnataka) in May, 1894. Also educated at Banaras he thoroughly studied Kannad, Sanskrit, Prakrit and Hindi languages. Bengal Sanskrit Association, Calcutta and other Sanskrit academies of the country have awarded him special medals.

Shri Subaiyya has been a researcher in Pannalal Dig. Jain Saraswati Bhawan, Bombay and Bhandarkar Oriental Institute, Poona and has done research work in Sanskrit and Magadhi literature. Yoga Vashist, Dhammapad and the old inscriptions of Shravanbelgola.

He has translated the most important Jain scripture Kshat-Khandagam written by great Jain Acharyas Pushpdant and Bhutbali and other Sanskrit books in Kannad language. He has the credit of bringing to light ‘Joni Pahud’ (a rare manuscript of first century on astrology) written by another great Jain Acharya Dharsen.

Ceaselessly, Shri Subaiyya is devoted to his creative literary activities for over 60 years and has been examiner of Sanskrit Examinations of Karnataka and other States. For his literary services of a high merit the ex-ruler of Mysore and some institutions have honoured him with the titles of Asthan Maha Vidwan, Syadwad Vidya-Varidhi, Vidya- Vachaspati, and Sidhantacharya.

He is recepient of President Award for Sanskrit. Vir Nirwan Bharati has felicitated him and awarded a cash prize of Rs. 2500/- in 1974. Shri Subaiyya has settled at Bangalore.