Emendations Essential to the Vedic Grammar of Bhojadeva
Summary
N. M. Kansara’s study focuses on the Vedic grammar section of Bhojadeva’s 11th‑century compendium Sarasvatī‑kanthabharaṇa. This portion of the work, containing over 800 aphorisms, attempts to present Vedic grammar systematically by collecting rules scattered in Panini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī. Bhojadeva largely preserves Panini’s wording but occasionally alters, splits or expands sutras to incorporate interpretations from later commentators such as Kātyāyana and Patañjali. Kansara reviews earlier scholarship that traced each sutra back to its Paninian origin and argues for further emendations based on philological analysis. He demonstrates how comparing manuscripts, commentaries and parallel grammatical traditions helps restore corrupt readings and reveals the evolution of grammatical thought. The article underscores Bhojadeva’s role in bridging ancient and medieval linguistic traditions and highlights the importance of critical textual work for understanding the history of Sanskrit grammar.
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Conclusion
Kansara’s investigation underscores the value of philology in reconstructing the development of Sanskrit grammar. By identifying necessary emendations and tracing the sources of Bhojadeva’s sutras, he shows how medieval scholars adapted Panini’s system to preserve Vedic usage. This work illuminates the dynamic nature of grammatical tradition and the scholarly labour needed to maintain it.