Professor T.G. Kalghatgi was a distinguished scholar in the field of Jainology and Prakrit studies. He served as the Professor and Head of the Department of Prakrit and Jainology at the University of Mysore, contributing significantly to the academic understanding of Jain philosophy and literature.
📚 Academic Contributions
Prof. Kalghatgi's scholarly work focused on various aspects of Jainism, particularly its psychological and philosophical dimensions. Some of his notable publications include:
• Some Problems in Jaina Psychology (1961): This work delves into the psychological concepts within Jainism, attempting to interpret them through the lens of Western thought.
• Jaina View of Life (1969): A comprehensive exploration of the Jain perspective on life, ethics, and existence.
• Karma and Rebirth (1972): An in-depth analysis of the Jain doctrines related to karma and the cycle of rebirth.
• Tīrthaṅkara Pārśvanātha: A Study (1977): A focused study on the life and teachings of Lord Pārśvanātha, the 23rd Tīrthaṅkara in Jainism.
• Jaina Logic: Anekānta, Naya, and Syādvāda (1984): This book examines the complex Jain logic system, including the concepts of Anekānta (non-absolutism), Naya (standpoint), and Syādvāda (the theory of conditional predication).
In addition to his individual publications, Prof. Kalghatgi edited and contributed to several collective works, such as Jainism - A Study and Tirthankara Parsvanatha - A Study, which have been valuable resources for students and scholars of Jainism.
🎓 Academic Background and Career
Born on April 25, 1918, in Khanapur, Belgaum district, Bombay State, Prof. Kalghatgi completed his M.A. in Philosophy from Bombay University in 1944. He later earned his Ph.D. from Karnatak University, Dharwad, in 1958, with a dissertation titled "Some Problems of Jaina Psychology."
Throughout his career, Prof. Kalghatgi held various academic positions, including:
• Lecturer in Philosophy at Willingdon College, Sangli; Rajaram College, Kolhapur; and Karnatak College, Dharwad.
• Principal of Karnatak Arts College for approximately ten years.
• Professor of Philosophy at Karnatak University, Dharwad.
• Professor and Head of the Department of Prakrit and Jainology at the University of Mysore.
He retired from active service after a distinguished career spanning several decades.
1. Introduction to Prabhacandra’s Significance
Prabhacandra is recognized as one of the foremost Jain logicians whose contributions significantly shaped Indian logic and epistemology. His…
This final section features book reviews of three major publications that enrich the field of Jain studies:
1. Arhat Pārśva and Dharaṇendra Nexus (Ed. M.A. Dhaky)
A collection of 14 research…
T. G. Kalghatgi’s article examines the Jain practice of samlekhanā—voluntary and gradual fasting unto death—and addresses misconceptions that equate it with suicide. The essay begins by situating…
In this obituary T. G. Kalghatgi pays tribute to Dr A. N. Upadhye (1906–1975), one of the foremost scholars of Prakrit, Sanskrit and Jain studies. Kalghatgi recounts how he received news of Dr…
Kalghatgi begins by stating that karma and the transmigration of the soul are foundational presuppositions of Indian thought rather than concepts proved through logical deduction. The doctrine of…
The article 'Karma: Its Operation and an Appraisal' by T.G. Kalghatgi discusses the Jain doctrine of karma. It explains that karma is indestructible and that every action brings consequences.…
T. G. Kalghatgi’s article “In the Vestibules of Karma” explores the pervasive themes of karma and rebirth in Indian literature. The author notes that these concepts pervade classical stories:…
The concept of karma and transmigration of the soul lies at the heart of Indian philosophical thought. Karma or the moral law of cause and effect, implies that the soul must pass through multiple…
This explains the Jain theory of karma, describing how karmic particles (karma varganas) bind to the soul due to certain mental states and actions. The soul attracts karma through passions and…