Course Title: Introduction to Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī: Structure, Logic, and Linguistic  Science

Course Code: SG-001

Credit Hours: 3

Level: Undergraduate (Elective) / PG Foundation

Course Description

This course offers a systematic introduction to the Aṣṭādhyāyī of Pāṇini, one of the most remarkable linguistic treatises in world history. It aims to familiarize students with the core structure, technical terminology (saṃjñā), meta-rules (paribhāṣā), and grammatical methodology used by Pāṇini to encode Sanskrit grammar in 4000 concise sūtras. The course emphasizes logical organization, rule-based syntax, and foundational examples to enable learners to appreciate and engage with the genius of ancient Indian linguistic science.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Understand the organizational framework of the Aṣṭādhyāyī

Identify key technical terms and categories used in Sanskrit grammar

Analyze simple sūtras and their applications

Gain an appreciation of Pāṇini’s meta-grammar (paribhāṣās)

Prepare for deeper study in Vyākaraṇa and related śāstric disciplines

Course Modules & Weekly Plan

Module I: Historical and Philosophical Context of Pāṇini (Week 1)

Life and times of Pāṇini

Overview of Indian grammatical tradition

Influence on modern linguistics

Reading:

Itroduction to Aṣṭādhyāyī of Pāṇini

Module II: Structure of the Aṣṭādhyāyī (Weeks 2–3)

Division into 8 chapters and 4 pādas each

Overview of Dhātu-pāṭha, Gaṇa-pāṭha, Unādi-sūtras

Concept of anuvr̥tti (ellipsis and inheritance)

Reading:

Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, Ch. 2 & 3; Examples from Pān. 1.1–1.4

Module III: Saṃjñā Sūtras – Technical Terms and Notation (Weeks 4–5)

Role of markers (it letters, anubandhas)

Definitions: pratyaya, dhātu, prātipadika, pada

Notation system and brevity in rules

Reading:

Pān. 1.3.1 to 1.3.10 with commentarial explanation

Excerpts from Aṣṭādhyāyī

Module IV: Paribhāṣās and Meta-Rules (Weeks 6–7)

Definition and importance of paribhāṣā sūtras

Examples: "asati pratyaye", "vipratiṣedhe paraṁ kāryam"

Rule hierarchy and conflict resolution

Reading:

Selected Paribhāṣās from Aṣṭādhyāyī

Module V: Derivational Practice – Pratyayas and Dhātus (Weeks 8–10)

Use of pratyayas to derive nouns and verbs

Taddhita, Kr̥t, and Tiṅ pratyayas

Derivational chains (prakriyā) from dhātu to pada

Reading:

Selections from Aṣṭādhyāyī (Dhātu-Prakaraṇa)

Aṣṭādhyāyī examples with translation and derivations

Module VI: Sūtra Analysis and Commentary Traditions (Weeks 11–12)

Role of Kātyāyana’s vārttikas and Patañjali’s Mahābhāṣya

Concept of samarthya, lakṣaṇā, and logical derivation

Reading:

Mahābhāṣya excerpts on Pāṇ. 1.1.1 and 1.1.68

Module VII: Influence and Modern Applications (Weeks 13–14)

Pāṇini’s legacy in Indian logic, computer science, and formal grammar

UNESCO recognition of Vyākaraṇa as intangible heritage

Comparative grammar with Latin, Greek, and modern syntax

Reading:

Vedic Theory of the Origin of Language, by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Understanding Pāṇini from Pāṇini’s Perspective, by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Vedic and Classical Sanskrit- A Contrastive Analysis of Phonological and Morphological Features, by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Primary Texts

Learning Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī in Six months, by Brahma Dutta Jijnashu

Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, commentary by Brahma Dutta Jijnashu

Supplementary Resources

Vedic Theory of the Origin of Language, by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Understanding Pāṇini from Pāṇini’s Perspective, by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Vedic and Classical Sanskrit- A Contrastive Analysis of Phonological and Morphological Features, by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya