Nanda Pandita (1580-1630 CE, also known as Vinayaka, was a prominent figure in the realm of dharmashastra literature during the 16th and 17th centuries CE. Hailing from Bidar, which is now situated in North Karnataka, he was born into a lineage of scholars, being the son of Ramapandita Devasharma and a descendant of Lakshmidhara. Although he likely spent most of his life in Kashi (Varanasi), he garnered patronage from wealthy individuals across various regions of India, such as Paramananda of the Sahagila family, Harivamshavarma of the Mahendra family, and Keshavanayaka of Madhura.
Among his numerous works, the Dattaka Mimamsa stands out as
his most renowned creation. Notably, this text gained recognition even among
British colonial rulers in India, who referenced it as an authoritative source
when resolving Hindu family disputes. Nandapandita authored thirteen works in
total, with several notable mentions including the Vidvanmanohara on
Parasharasmriti, Pramitakshara (a commentary on Vijnaneshvara's Mitakshara),
Shraddhakalpalata, Smritisindhu, and its summary Tattvamuktavali. Additionally,
his commentary on the Dattaka Mimamsa further illustrates his depth of
understanding in this domain.
While Nandapandita generally adhered to the principles
outlined in Mitakshara, a significant commentary on Hindu law attributed to
Vijnaneshvara from the 12th century CE, he occasionally presented contrasting
perspectives, particularly concerning matters of succession and other legal
intricacies. His contributions enriched the landscape of dharmashastra
scholarship, leaving a lasting impact on legal discourse in Hindu society.