Talk:Grammarian Kaiyaṭa (11th cent. CE)

By Vishal Agarwal

Kaiyaṭa of Kashmir was a renowned scholar of grammar whose deep learning and humility became legendary. Despite his immense scholarship, he lived in extreme poverty, devoting all his time to study and writing. His wife supported their household by cutting grass from the nearby forest, weaving it into ropes, and selling them in the market.

In time, word reached the King of Kashmir that such a great scholar lived in his realm under harsh conditions. Kaiyaṭa’s reputation had already spread as far as Vārāṇasī, the foremost seat of learning. A group of learned Brāhmaṇas from Vārāṇasī visited the king and remarked, “It is a matter of shame that a scholar of Kaiyaṭa’s stature should live in poverty within your kingdom.”

Ashamed, the king decided to make amends. The next day, he personally went to Kaiyaṭa’s humble dwelling and said, “I am deeply sorry that I have failed to support you. It is the sacred duty of a ruler to ensure that scholars are provided for. By neglecting this duty, I have sinned.”

Hearing this, Kaiyaṭa turned to his wife and said, “Our presence here is causing our king distress and leading him to incur sin. We must leave this land immediately.”

The king fell at the scholar’s feet and pleaded, “Revered one, I meant no disrespect. Please tell me what I can do to make your life easier.”

Kaiyaṭa replied calmly, “Your Majesty, the greatest favor you can grant me is to let me live in peace. Allow me to study and write without disturbance. Do not send any official or messenger from your court to assist me. My only wish is to pursue knowledge undisturbed.”

Kaiyaṭa’s words reflect the timeless ideal of the Indian scholar—one who values knowledge and inner contentment above wealth or royal favor, and who regards uninterrupted contemplation as the greatest blessing.