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Nirukta : The fourth
Vedanga deals with the explanation, interpretation of difficult
words and provides insight into the hidden content of
Vedas.
Chhanda : The fifth
Vedang deals with analysis of different types of metres
(meters).
Jyotisha : The sixth Vedang deals with astrology.
Now let us concentrate on the work of Panini, Vyakarana. From some scholar’s
point of view, it is probably a representative work that
summarizes the prevailing
traditions and preserves them for posterity future.
Vyakarana is divided into 4 parts :
1.
Shivsutras : These sutras deal with phonetics / accents and intonation of
distinctive units of sound that form part of the word and letter sound.
2.
Ashtadhyayi : These sutras deal with the structure of words and sentences
and their construction.
3.
Datupadas : These sutras deal with the list of root words.
4.
Ganapathas : These sutras deal with groups of Nominals (nounds and noun
phrases).
The word
Vyakarana is formed by prefixing ‘
vi’ and ‘
aa’ to the root ‘
kri’ (means
to do). Panini’s Vyakarana deals with the linguistic analysis to establish the exact form
of words to properly express ideas and Nirukta focuses on linguistic analysis to establish
the proper meaning of the words in context.
In Ashtadhyayi Panini distinguishes between usage in spoken language and
usage proper to language of the sacred religious texts. It aimed at preventing careless
or casual usage and transmission of the Vedic knowledge.
Vyakarana ensured that
the explanation of meta-physical truths through words that vedic sages had realized
by their efforts remain available to all in a pristine form.
Panini and Yaksa are the two significant ancient scholars of
Vyakarana. Their
works refer to the competing schools of grammar of vedic period. One school held
that all nouns have verbal roots whereas the other school held that not all nouns have
verbal roots. But unfortunately these works are lost.
Panini mentions earlier ten scholars of Vyakarana : Apisali, Kashyapa, Gargya,
Galav, Chakravarman, Bhardvaja, Sakatayana, Sakalya Senaka and Sphotayana.
Yaska’s Nirukta also mentions some of the scholars mentioned by Panini.