Kashmir Shaivism and Sanskrit Scholars
Kashmir Shaivism (Trika) is the great philosophy that grew in the Valley between the 9th and 11th centuries. It teaches that Shiva (pure consciousness) is the one reality and the world is his free play.
The masters
| Scholar | Period (c.) | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Vasugupta | 9th century | Shiva Sutras, said to be revealed on Mahadev peak near Srinagar. Founder of the Spanda school. |
| Somananda | 9th to 10th century | Shivadrishti; founder of Pratyabhijna school. |
| Utpaladeva | 10th century | Ishvara-pratyabhijna-karika |
| Abhinavagupta | 10th to 11th century | Tantraloka (greatest work), Abhinavabharati (on drama), Locana (on Dhvanyaloka) |
| Kshemaraja | 11th century | Pratyabhijnahridayam |
Other Sanskrit giants of Kashmir
| Scholar | Work |
|---|---|
| Anandavardhana | Dhvanyaloka (theory of suggestion in poetry) |
| Mammata | Kavyaprakasha (poetics) |
| Kshemendra | Brihatkathamanjari, satires |
| Somadeva | Kathasaritsagara |
| Kalhana | Rajatarangini |
| Bilhana | Vikramankadevacharita |
Sharada
- Sharada was the script of Kashmir and the Sanskrit tradition. The Sharada Peeth (now in Pakistan-administered Kashmir) was a famed seat of learning.
Keep practising
Notes are only half the work. Test yourself with questions and discuss doubts with other aspirants.
Prepared for exam revision from standard sources, official publications and the Census. Figures and recent developments change, so check official sources before relying on them. Found a mistake? Tell us.