Udyotakara

Udyotakara (or Uddyotakara) was a philosopher of the Nyaya school of Indian philosophy, active around the 6th century CE. His most significant work is the Nyāyavārttika, a commentary on the Nyāyabhāṣya of Pakṣilasvāmin Vātsyāyana. This work served as a defense of Vātsyāyana's interpretations against the critiques put forth by the Buddhist philosopher Dignaga. Udyotakara's contribution was crucial in preserving and developing the Nyaya tradition. He is described as a brahmin of the Bharadvaja gotra and a follower of the Pashupata sect. The text "Vāsavadattā" by Subandhu mentions Udyotakara as a key figure who rescued the Nyaya school.