DR. MAHENDRA KUMAR JAIN

(1911—20-5-1959)

Late Dr. Mahenda Kumar had received high appreciation and regard from eminent scholars of Sanskrit and Philosophy from the beginning of his writing career. Born at Khurai in Distt. Sagar (M.P.) he got education at Bina (M.P.) and Sir Hukam Chand Mahavidyalaya, Indore.

After passing Shastri and Nyayatirtha examinations he was appointed teacher of Philosophy at Syadwad Mahavidyalaya, Varanasi in 1930. During his 13 years service there he enriched its Aklank Saraswati Bhavan with the collection of rare scriptures in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali and Hindi.

He devoted himself to thorough study of Jain philosophy, continued editing work and passed Nyayacharya examination. He had received Ph. D. degree from Banaras University. He was appointed in Bharatiya Jnanpith on its establishment in 1944, served there for several years and also edited its magazine ‘Gyanodaya’.

Later he was appointed Lecturer in Budha Philosophy in Banaras Hindu University and on establishment of Varanasi Sanskrit University he joined it to teach Jain Philosophy. He edited Nyaya-Kumudchandra (2 Vol.), Praman Mimamsa, Aklank Granthatryi, Prameya Kamal Martand and Jai-Dhavla.

His immortal work ‘Jain Darshan’ which placed him among the front line authors and philosophers was suitably prized by U.P. Govt, as an excellant creation on Philosophy.
He had a sudden and premature death at the age of 48 years.