The Literary Life of Yāj?avalkya - Paperbackby Steven E. Lindquist (Author) In this fascinating study, Steven E. Lindquist investigates the intersections between historical context and literary production in the "life" of Yj? avalkya, the most important ancient Indian literary figure prior to the Buddha. Known for his sharp tongue and deep thought, Yj? avalkya is associated with a number of "firsts" in Indian religious literary history: the first person to discuss brahman and tman thoroughly;