Sanskrit Vyakaran Shastra Ka Itihas 03

Certainly! Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sanskrit Vyakaran Shastra ka Itihas 03" by Yudhishthir Mimansak, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sanskrit Vyakaran Shastra ka Itihas (History of Sanskrit Grammar Science) - Volume 3 Author: Yudhishthir Mimansak Publisher: Yudhishthir Mimansak Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002284/1

This third volume, as indicated by the author and title, is a continuation and likely a culmination of a larger work on the history of Sanskrit grammar. The provided pages primarily consist of the preface, table of contents, and several appendices (Parishishtas).

Summary of Key Aspects:

• Preface (Prastavana - Pages 4-10):

  • Revised Edition: The preface discusses the current edition, noting the addition of 70 pages due to refinements and expansions.
  • Content Changes:
    • Removed Appendix: The previous seventh appendix, which contained a comparative list of manuscript page numbers to printed page numbers for Bhatrihari's Mahabhashya Deepika, has been removed. Instead, printed page numbers are now provided directly with the quotations.
    • New Appendices: Four new appendices have been added.
      • Appendix VII includes the available portion of Samudragupta's Krishnacharita, as it is frequently quoted in the main text, and the previous Gondal edition is no longer available.
      • Appendix VIII specifically discusses the interpretation of Nirukta 1.17, "Padaprakritiḥ Samhita."
      • Appendix IX presents George Cardona's comments on the author's "Vyakaran Shastra ka Itihas" translated into Hindi, along with the author's own annotations.
      • Appendix XI contains letters from scholars who assisted in the writing, refinement, and expansion of the work, expressing gratitude.
    • Refinements: Previously separate indices for place names, personal names, and book titles have been consolidated into two comprehensive indices.
  • Challenges and Dedication: The author mentions facing health issues and delays in printing, particularly with the third volume. Despite these challenges, he considered it essential to include name and book indices, which were labor-intensive. He expresses regret for any inconvenience caused to readers due to these issues but also satisfaction that the work is completed.
  • Suggestions for Future Work: The preface lists suggestions from various scholars (like Pt. Padmanabh Raoji) for including other works and concepts in future editions.
  • Personal Goal: The author expresses a desire to continue compiling new findings and correcting errors in any future reprints during his lifetime, so that subsequent editions are improved.
  • Apology for Errors: He apologizes to readers for any mistakes in the current edition due to haste and ill health and requests readers to incorporate the corrections mentioned in Appendix X. He specifically points out the correction of "Shastana" to "Shantanu" on specific pages of Volume 1 and 2.
  • Acknowledgments: Gratitude is expressed to Shri Onkarji for proofreading and Shri Shivpujan Singh Kushwaha for assistance with the indices.

• Table of Contents (Vishay Suchi - Pages 10-11):

  • This section lists the 12 main appendices and their respective topics, which include:
    1. Apāṇinīya-Pramāṇatā (Un-Pāṇinian Authority): Discussing texts and usages not directly derived from Pāṇini's grammar.
    2. Scientific Explanation of Pāṇinīya Grammar: A detailed exposition of the scientific interpretation of Pāṇini's grammatical rules.
    3. Aṣṭādhyāyī Text from Nāgojī Bhaṭṭa's Perspective: Presenting a version of the Aṣṭādhyāyī as interpreted by Nāgojī Bhaṭṭa based on the Mahābhāṣya.
    4. Aṣṭādhyāyī Text from Anantarām's Perspective: Another interpretation of the Aṣṭādhyāyī text based on the Mahābhāṣya.
    5. Pāṇinīya Śikṣā (Original Pāṇinīya Śikṣā): Discussing the sutra-based Śikṣā, its variations (short and long texts), and comparison with Āpiśala Śikṣā.
    6. Available Verses from Jāmbavatīvijaya: Extracts from Pāṇini's poetic work.
    7. Available Text of Krishnacharita by Samudragupta: A portion of this significant work.
    8. Special Discussion on 'Padaprakritiḥ Samhita': An in-depth analysis of this key phrase.
    9. George Cardona's Opinion on 'Sanskrit Vyakaran Shastra ka Itihas': As mentioned in the preface.
    10. Corrections, Modifications, Additions: A list of revisions for Volumes 1 and 2.
    11. Helpful Letters from Scholars: As mentioned in the preface.
    12. List of Quoted Persons, Places, and Works: An index for all three volumes.
    • The list also includes details of certain books mentioned with page numbers and a brief self-introduction of the author.

• Appendix I: Apāṇinīya-Pramāṇatā (Un-Pāṇinian Authority) - Pages 12-25:

  • This extensive appendix argues against the sole authority of Pāṇini's grammar.
  • It asserts that ancient Sanskrit was vast and declined by Pāṇini's time.
  • It contends that usages not found in Pāṇini's grammar are not necessarily "apashabdas" (incorrect words) but might belong to other grammatical traditions or earlier stages of the language.
  • The author refutes the idea that only Pāṇini, Kātyāyana, and Patañjali are authoritative, citing the acceptance of texts by earlier scholars like Vyāsa, Śankara, Murāri Miśra, etc.
  • It questions the criteria for "śiṣṭa" (learned/civilized) usage and argues for the validity of other grammars based on their acceptance by learned individuals and their presence in ancient literature.
  • The author discusses the concept of "yathottaramunīnām prāmāṇyam" (later sages being more authoritative) and argues against its strict application, especially in the context of language.
  • It highlights that many Prakritīs (root words or base forms) were lost by Pāṇini's time, but their derived words were still in use.
  • The appendix engages with the idea of "vyatyayaḥ bahulam" (changes are manifold) and "bahulaṁ chandasi" (manifold in Vedic) and argues that these don't negate the need for other grammars.
  • It defends the authority of Prātiśākhyas as specialized grammars, arguing that if unusual usages are accepted, there's no reason to reject earlier, more general grammars.
  • The core argument is that "nakhlu bahvidāmasti nirmūlavākyam" (knowledgeable people do not speak without basis), implying that the writings of knowledgeable scholars like Bhāṣyakāras and others should not be dismissed without proper reason.
  • The author suggests that the acceptance of Pāṇini's grammar does not invalidate earlier grammatical systems, and contradictions should be viewed as options (vikalpa).

• Appendix II: Scientific Explanation of Pāṇinīya Grammar (Pages 26-43):

  • Two Principles of Grammar: Discusses two main principles: grammar's purpose is to describe the accepted usage of cultured people and prevent corruption, and grammar is merely a descriptor of language, unable to encompass it fully.
  • Challenges for Grammarians: Explains the difficulty faced by grammarians when original roots (prakṛtī) are lost, but their derived words remain in usage. They must infer these lost roots and their meanings.
  • Value of Grammar: Quotes Bhatta Kumārila stating that grammatical rules are the only means to understand the lost linguistic heritage.
  • Loss of Explanatory Brilliance: Notes that the miraculous explanatory power of early grammarians has been lost, leading modern commentators to simplify or misinterpret, often labeling unexplainable usages as "apashabda."
  • Main Basis of Grammar: Identifies "shabdanityata" (eternity of words) as the fundamental principle, as explained by Patañjali. This principle would render words not invalid due to temporal changes or the "yathottaramunīnām prāmāṇyam" rule.
  • Misuse of Dharmaśāstra: Critiques the application of concepts like "kalau pārāśarī smṛtā" (Parashara's smrti is authoritative in the Kali Yuga) to linguistic principles, arguing that linguistic rules are eternal like certain eternal dharma principles, not subject to temporal change.
  • Scientific Explanation of Pāṇini's Rules: This section delves into the author's methodology:
    • Prādeśika Vikāra (Regional Changes): Standard phonetic changes.
    • Ananvita Vikāra (Unconnected Changes): Changes requiring conceptualization of alternate roots or affixes when the original form is lost.
    • Nipātana (Irregular Compounds): Special, non-derivable forms.
  • Concept of Prākrtyantara (Alternate Root/Base): This is a key concept explained using Mahābhāṣya and Bhartṛhari. When a word's derivation is difficult or the root is lost, grammarians posit an alternate root or base form to explain its existence. Examples are given for "upabarhaṇam" (from "brih"), "neṣṭā" (from "ni" with "ṣu-" addition, explained via "nīṣ" root), "dhma" (explained via "dham" root), "graha" (explained via "gṛbh" root), "simha" (explained via "his" root with permutation), "rājan" (explained via "rāj"), "aṅg" (in compounds), "tu" (in compounds), "ātman" (in accusative singular).
  • Analysis of Specific Sutras: The author then applies this "scientific explanation" to specific Pāṇinian sutras like:
    • mano'r jātau añyatau ṣuṅ ca (4.1.161): Explains "mānuṣa" and "manuṣya" by positing the root "manuṣ" (with 'ṣ') instead of just "manu."
    • kanyāyāḥ kanīṅ ca (4.1.116): Explains "kānīna" by positing the base "kanīna" instead of deriving it from "kanyā."
    • tavakamakāvekavacane (4.3.3): Explains "tāvakīna" and "māmākīna" by deriving them from "tavaka" and "māmaka" which are posited as alternate forms.
    • h ragr̥ho'ś chandasi hasya (8.2.32): Explains forms like "bharati" and "gṛbhṇāti" by positing "bhṛ" and "gṛbh" as distinct roots.
    • rājāhaḥ sakhibhyaṣṭac (7.2.46): Explains compound endings by positing alternate roots like "raja" and "aha" without final 'n'.
    • vibhaṣā samāsānto bhavati (M.V.C.): Discusses the optionality of samāsaṅta rules.
    • ūdhso'naṅ (5.1.131): Explains "ūdhvan" as a compound ending derived from "ūdhvas."
    • Nañ-samāsa rules (6.3.72, 73, 74): Explains the formation of words like "abrāhmaṇaḥ," "praṇaṣṭhaḥ," and "napāt" by positing independent negative particles like "na," "pra," and "na."
  • Concept of Pratyayāntara (Alternate Suffix): Similar to prākrtyantara, this refers to positing alternate suffixes or orders of derivation.
  • Gaṇa-kārya (Group Rules) as Exemplary: Argues that the group rules (Gaṇa-pāṭha) are not exhaustive but exemplary, allowing for flexibility in Vedic usage.
  • Pāṇinīya prayoga (Pāṇinian Usage): Suggests that Pāṇini's own usages that seem to contradict his rules should be seen as indicative of implicit rules or exceptions.
  • Co-occurrence of Multiple Vikaraṇa: Discusses instances in Vedic texts where multiple affixes (vikaraṇas) seem to be used together, suggesting alternate root forms or a more flexible approach.
  • Analysis of specific sutras: The author concludes this section by re-interpreting some sutras in this "scientific" or "linguistic" light, demonstrating how it resolves perceived difficulties or expands the scope of Pāṇini's rules.

• Appendices III & IV: Aṣṭādhyāyī Text based on Mahābhāṣya interpretations by Nāgojī Bhaṭṭa and Anantarām (Pages 47-72):

  • These appendices present detailed comparative lists of sutra readings and interpretations found in Mahābhāṣya, as documented by Nāgojī Bhaṭṭa and Anantarām. This aims to highlight textual variations and the influence of Mahābhāṣya on subsequent understanding of the Aṣṭādhyāyī. It includes references to commentaries like Kāśikā and Pradīpa.

• Appendix V: Original Pāṇinīya Śikṣā (Pages 62-80):

  • This appendix discusses the different recensions of Pāṇinīya Śikṣā (sutra-based vs. verse-based, short vs. long texts).
  • It argues that the original Śikṣā was likely the sutra-based one and that the verse-based text might be later.
  • It presents the comparative text of the short and long versions, focusing on phonetics, articulation, and pronunciation principles, and includes the author's analysis of their Pāṇinian provenance.

• Appendix VI: Available Verses from Jāmbavatīvijaya (Pages 82-88):

  • This appendix provides collected verses and fragments from Pāṇini's epic poem, Jāmbavatīvijaya. It notes the sources of these verses in various grammatical and literary commentaries, indicating the poem's influence and preservation. It also includes the author's annotations and corrections to the texts.

• Appendix VII: Available Text of Krishnacharita by Samudragupta (Pages 95-100):

  • This section presents the rediscovered and published fragments of Samudragupta's Krishnacharita. It includes introductory remarks about the work and its discovery. The author laments its scarcity.

• Appendix VIII: Special Discussion on 'Padaprakritiḥ Samhita' (Pages 101-106):

  • This appendix undertakes a deep dive into the meaning of "Padaprakritiḥ Samhita." It examines the traditional interpretations and argues for a specific meaning based on Vedic tradition and the practice of prātiśākhyas.
  • It clarifies the relationship between Samhitā pāṭha (connected recitation), Pada pāṭha (word-by-word recitation), and Krama pāṭha (sequential recitation), explaining their respective purposes in preserving Vedic texts and their meanings.
  • The author refutes the notion that Pada pāṭha is the original form and Samhitā pāṭha is derived from it, arguing that the Samhitā pāṭha itself is original and the prātiśākhyas describe the rules for Krama pāṭha and Pada pāṭha based on the Samhitā.

• Appendix IX: George Cardona's Opinion on 'Sanskrit Vyakaran Shastra ka Itihas' (Pages 107-123):

  • This appendix meticulously details the critical review of Yudhishthir Mimansak's work by George Cardona in his book "Pāṇini: A Survey of Research."
  • Cardona acknowledges the comprehensive nature of Mimansak's history but expresses reservations about the author's dating of Pāṇini and earlier scholars, considering them too ancient and not universally accepted.
  • He also critiques the author's "nationalistic language" and perceived bias against Western scholarship.
  • The appendix highlights Cardona's specific points of contention regarding the authority of other grammarians, the interpretation of Pāṇini's sutras, and the dating of texts like Āpiśala Śikṣā and Uṇādi sutras.
  • Mimansak provides rebuttals to Cardona's critiques, defending his own interpretations and dating, often by re-examining evidence and highlighting potential flaws in Cardona's reasoning or reliance on later interpretations.

• Appendices X-XI: Revisions, Modifications, Additions, and Letters of Support (Pages 124-178):

  • Appendix X (Revisions): Details specific corrections and additions made to the previous editions of Volume 1 and Volume 2.
  • Appendix XI (Letters of Support): This is a significant appendix containing correspondence from esteemed scholars like the late Pt. Bhagavad Datta, Pt. Padmanabh Rao, and Pt. Chandrakant Bali. These letters offer valuable suggestions, insights, corrections, and support for the author's research and writing process, showcasing the intellectual community's engagement with the monumental work. The author expresses deep gratitude for this scholarly collaboration.

Overall Significance:

This third volume of Yudhishthir Mimansak's "History of Sanskrit Grammar Science" appears to be a rich and detailed scholarly work. It demonstrates a deep engagement with the primary texts, commentaries, and critical analyses within the field of Pāṇinīya grammar and its historical context. The author's thoroughness, evident in the extensive appendices and the inclusion of scholarly correspondence, underscores his dedication to providing a comprehensive and nuanced account of Sanskrit grammar's evolution and interpretation. The engagement with figures like George Cardona shows an awareness of and response to contemporary academic discourse. The inclusion of various recensions and differing interpretations highlights the author's commitment to presenting a multifaceted historical picture.