# Abhinavagupta

> Indian philosopher and writer (c.950–1016)

**Wikidata**: [Q320619](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q320619)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhinavagupta)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/abhinavagupta

## Summary
Abhinavagupta was an Indian philosopher and writer (c.950–1016) who is best known for his treatise *Tantraloka*, a foundational work on tantrism. His contributions to philosophy and religious thought have influenced subsequent generations of scholars in the Indian subcontinent.

## Biography
- Born: c. 950
- Nationality: Indian
- Education: Unknown (no specific institutions or degrees provided)
- Known for: Authoring *Tantraloka*, a major work on tantrism
- Employer(s): No known affiliations or employers
- Field(s): Philosophy, religious studies

## Contributions
- **Tantraloka**: Abhinavagupta authored *Tantraloka*, a treatise on tantrism, which remains a significant work in the study of Indian philosophy and religious thought. The exact year of publication is not specified, but it is known to have been influential in the development of tantric traditions.

## FAQs
### What is Abhinavagupta known for?
Abhinavagupta is known for his treatise *Tantraloka*, which is a foundational work on tantrism and has had a lasting impact on Indian philosophical and religious thought.

### When and where was Abhinavagupta active?
Abhinavagupta was active in India during the late 10th to early 11th century (c.950–1016). Specific locations of his work are not detailed in the source material.

### What was Abhinavagupta's primary field of work?
Abhinavagupta's primary field of work was philosophy, with a focus on tantrism, a branch of Indian religious and philosophical thought.

## Why They Matter
Abhinavagupta's *Tantraloka* remains a cornerstone of tantric traditions in India, shaping the understanding of spirituality and philosophy for centuries. His work has influenced subsequent scholars and continues to be studied in academic and religious contexts. Without his contributions, the development of tantrism and its philosophical underpinnings would have been significantly different.

## Notable For
- Author of *Tantraloka*, a foundational text on tantrism
- Influence on Indian philosophical and religious thought
- Contribution to the study of tantric traditions

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Abhinavagupta was born around 950 in India. There is no specific information about his education or early life, but he is known to have been a philosopher and writer.

### Philosophical Contributions
Abhinavagupta's most notable work is *Tantraloka*, a treatise on tantrism. This text is considered a major contribution to the study of Indian philosophy and religious thought. The exact year of publication is not specified, but it is known to have been influential in the development of tantric traditions.

### Influence and Legacy
Abhinavagupta's *Tantraloka* remains a significant work in the study of tantrism and has influenced subsequent generations of scholars. His philosophical ideas continue to be studied in academic and religious contexts, ensuring his legacy endures.

### Field of Work
Abhinavagupta's primary field of work was philosophy, with a focus on tantrism. His contributions have had a lasting impact on Indian religious and philosophical thought.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. CiNii Research
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. CONOR.SI
6. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
7. Treccani Philosophy
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
9. Digital Scriptorium Catalog