Preface

The aim of all the system of Indian Philosophy is to provide a means for the attainment of liberation which is the ultimate goal of human existence. The essence of liberation consists in an absolute freedom from sufferings. Every person under bondage is constantly tormented by various kinds of sufferings. The cause of bondage is ignorance about the nature of reality. Nature of reality is conceived differently by different systems. In Indian terminology, the cause of bondage is ignorance about the nature of prameyas or objects of knowledge. When such ignorance is removed one attains liberation. The only means which can produce right knowledge is pramāṇa or instrument of valid Knowledge. Thus, a discussion of the nature of prameyas is vital for any system of Philosophy. In the present work we have tried to present the theory of prameyas as discussed in the Nyāya system mainly on the basis of Gautama’s Nyāyasūtra and its commentaries.

This subject was suggested to me by my teacher Professor Sarbani Ganguli, Department of Sanskrit, Jadavpur University. She was also kind enough to let me complete the thesis under her supervision. All along she has guided me and without her help it would not have been possible for me to complete the work. I am indeed very grateful to her.

I also record my indebtedness to all authors and editors from whose works I have received help. I am also thankful to all the teachers of department of Sanskrit, Jadavpur University for their kindness and cooperation.

Malda
Panu Podder.
11 July, 2014