Word

Tarka

Sanskrit

तर्का

IAST

tarkā

In General

Tarka is the Sanskrit term for logic. It is also called as hetuvada. Checking the cause-effect relationship and the inference thus arrived at, if is not against the Sruti (Veda) all the various systems of philosophy take them as a source of knowledge, especially the Nyaya and Vaisesika system of philosophy. Nayayikas are experts in tarka.

few types of tarka are:

Anavastha

Anyonyasraya

Apavada

Atmasraya

Cakraka

Kalpanagaurava

Kalpanalaghava

Pratibandhikalpana

Utsarga

Vaijatya

vyaghata

Purana

Logical reasoning is very much respected by Hindu community and the tarka in commonplace and court of king were a common practice in the Hindu kingdom. Tarkikas in Janakas court are illustrated in puranas and Upanishads. Yajnavalkya, Gargi, Ashtavakra are only few of them. Many other famous logicians can be found in history and in puranas.