A distinguished scholar Dr. Darbari Lai Kothia, Shastri Nyayacharya, Shastracharya and Nyayatirtha has retired as Reader in Jain Philosophy from Banaras Hindu University. He did his M.A. (Sanskrit) in 1957 and Ph. D. in 1969 from the above University.
He was born at Sorai, Distt Jhansi (U. P.) on September 1,1913 and married to Smt. Chameli Bai Kothia, Hindi Ratna.
He was a first class student at Mahavir Dig. Jain Sanskrit Vidyalaya, Sadhumal and Syadwad Mahavidyalaya, Varanasi where he received religious education. For several years he was Secretary of Syadwad Pracharini Sabha. From early age his articles are being published in Jain magazines and other journals.
Having served at Papora (Tikamgarh), Chaurasi Gurukul (Mathura), Sarsawa (Saha- ranpur), Samantabhadra Vidyalaya, Delhi and Dig. Jain College, Baraut, Dr. Kothia was for the last 14 years in the Banaras Hindu University.
He is President of All India Jain Vidwat Parishad, Secretary of Shri Ganesh Varni Dig. Jain Sansthan and Vir Seva Mandir Trust and Up-Adhisthata of Syadwad Mahavidyalaya, Varanasi.
Literary Works : Nyayadipika, Aptpariksha, Syadwad Siddhi, Praman Prameya Kalika, Adhyatma Kamal Martand, Shasan Chatur vinshati, Shripur Parasawanath, Prakrit Padyanukramani, Jain Tarka Shastra Me Anuman-Vichar, Praman Pariksha etc. and more than 150 research and literary articles.
Creation and publication of Jain literature are the hobbies of Dr. Kothia. He has been felicitated and awarded a cash prize of Rs. 2500/- by Vir Nirwan Bharati in 1974.
Residence : Chameli Kutir, 1/128, Dumrao Colony, Assi, Varanasi-5