Akhyatavada

This concise monograph presents a systematic study of Ākhyātārtha (the meaning conveyed by the verbal root/verb), one of the most significant and debated topics in Sanskrit philosophy and linguistics.

Although the Mīmāṃsakas and Naiyāyikas broadly agree that the verb denotes an action connected with the agent, they differ substantially in explaining the process of śābdabodha (verbal cognition). The Vaiyākaraṇas, following the grammatical tradition of Pāṇini, maintain that the verb primarily conveys action (kriyā). Even within the Vedānta tradition, diverse interpretations of Ākhyātārtha have been proposed.

Examining these various philosophical standpoints, Śrī Vyāsarāja Tīrtha, in his monumental Tarkatāṇḍava, adopts a distinctive and original approach to the subject. Earlier works such as the Nirukta and Mahābhāṣya also discuss the nature and meaning of the verb in considerable detail, providing an important foundation for later philosophical inquiry.

Drawing upon these classical sources through careful study and critical analysis, K. S. Krishnacharya presents a clear, well-reasoned, and authoritative examination of Ākhyātārtha, supported by extensive textual evidence. This work serves as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and scholars of Sanskrit grammar, Mīmāṃsā, Nyāya, and Vedānta.