Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism

jätï (‘birth-group’)

Lineage, sub-caste. Each jätïconsists of

a number of gotras(clans).

jauhar

Group self-immolation in a fire, prac-

tised by Räjput women to escape cap-

ture by enemies. Several historical

instances have been recorded at Chitor

from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

Jayadeva (12th century)

Pen name of the author of the Gïta-

govinda, celebrating the love between

Kø•æa and RÄDHÄ, which is sung at the

JAGANNÄfiHAtemple in Purï as part of

the daily ritual.

Jayantï

One of the names of the Goddess (DEVÏ).

Jaya-Vijaya (‘victory and defeat’)

Names of the two gatekeepers in

Vi•æu’s heaven.

Jha, Ganganatha

(1871–1941)

Eminent Indian Sanskritist, educated

both in the old Pandit tradition and along

modern lines, a specialist in Pürva

MÏMÄßSA. He taught at Muir Central

College in Allahäbad, served as principal

of Benares Sanskrit College and was vice-

chancellor of Allahäbad University. He

translated many major Sanskrit works

into English: Ÿabarabhä•ya, Ÿlokavärtti-

ka, Tantravärttika, and his books include

Prabhäkara School of Pürva Mïmäƒsa

(1909), Pürva Mïmäƒsa in its Sources

(1942). He was honoured with the title

‘Mahämahopädhyäya’ (great teacher).

Ji•æu (‘victorious’)

Epithet of INDRA, ARJUNAand VIÆŒU.

jïva, jïvätma

Individual (finite) living being.

jïvan-mukta

(‘liberated while alive’)

A person who has achieved ultimate

emancipation while still in a body.

jïvan-mukti

The state of being liberated while still in

a body. Some Hindu schools, such as

ADVAITAVEDÄNTA, admit such a possi-

bility, others deny it.

jñäna (‘knowledge’)

This is especially in the specific sense of

spiritual wisdom, insight, realization of

one’s own true nature. (See also VIDYÄ.)

(Jñäna) Sambandhar

(c. 750–825 CE)

One of the most prominent NÄYANMÄRS,

Ÿaivite teachers of South India. Author

of the Tevaram, which ridicules and

attacks Jainas.

Jñäneÿvara, also Jñänadeva

(c. 1275–1350)

Poet-saint from Mahärä•flra, author of

the Jñäneÿvari, a lengthy commentary

on the Bhagavadgïtä.

joint family

The traditional Hindu family consisted

of groups of related families belonging

to several generations. It provided secu-

rity and shelter to all its members and

created a strong bond between them. It

allowed for little privacy and did not

leave much room for individual deci-

sions concerning vital issues. While it is

still to be found in rural India, in the

Westernized large cities of India the

norm today is the nuclear family.

Jones, Sir William (1746–94)

Orientalist and jurist. He studied

Oriental languages at Oxford. Appointed

judge at the Supreme Court in Calcutta

jätï 90

Encyclo - Letter J 10/2/03 9:44 am Page 90