Question

Who patronized the famous scholar Hemachandracharya?
A. Mulraj Solanki
B. Bhimdev Solanki
C. Siddhraj Jaysinh
D. Kumarpal

Answer 1

Hint: The famous Jain scholar and polymath (1089-1172) was a courtier for not just one king. His work was sent to countries throughout the subcontinent, and to produce copies to satisfy the demand over 700 scribes were employed. His original name was Somachandra Muni and found his mentor, Devchandrasuri while living in Saurashtra.

Complete answer: Option A.Mulraj Solanki (941-996 CE) was the founder of the dynasty referred to as the ‘Chalukyas of Gujarat’. This option is incorrect because the timelines do not match.
Option B. Bhimdev Solanki (1022-1063) was also known as Bhima I and was the ruler when the temple at Somnath was sacked by Ghazni. This option is incorrect as Hemachandracharya was born 26 years after his demise, so being subject to his patronage was out of the question.
Option C. While he was a courtier in both Siddhraj Jaysinh (the king of Gujarat)and Kumarpal Chalukya’s court, if we are compelled to choose one answer, go with option D.
Option D. What is interesting to mark here is Hemachadracharya had prophesied that Kumarpal will succeed Siddhraj, which ended up being true but was odd as the two shared great enmity.
Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.

Note: He wrote on various disciplines like philosophy, logic, welfare, mathematics and languages like Sanskrit and Prakrit grammar. Regarded as a prodigy he was given the title of ‘kalikālasarvajña; which means ‘the knower of all the knowledge of his times’. This poet followed Jainism. He lived for 84 years.