Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c15.67

v2.c15.67

The Pratyabhijñā school had its origin, as we have already stated, in Kashmere. It appears that the most important of their religious works are five in number; of these the *Pratyabhijñā-sūtras* is the oldest and is said to have been composed by Utpalāchārya, the son (or disciple) of Udayakara. The basis of the work was the *Śiva-dṛishṭi śāstra* of Sōmānandanātha. The *Pratyabhijñā* system is believed to be an easy and new system of religious philosophy. Though comparatively new, the *Pratyabhijñā* school has its foundation in older works. The great Abhinavaguptāchārya has written two commentaries on the *sūtras*, which are known as the *Laghu-Pratyabhijñāvimarsani* and the *Bṛihat-Pratyabhijñā-vimarśani*. From the internal evidences available in the various works, it is inferable that this school became prominent in the 10th century A.D.