Jaina Commentaries on Sanskrit Grammar

The chapter explores the critical contributions of Jain scholars to Sanskrit grammar from pre-Pāṇinian to post-Pāṇinian eras. It begins by noting that Jainācāryas wrote in diverse Indian languages, enriching both linguistic theory and philosophical discourse. Key Highlights: 1. Pre-Pāṇinian Tradition i) Jain scriptures such as the Drastivāda (24 Pūrvas) contained early phonetic analyses (sthāna, prayatna) and grammatical observations. ii) The Aindra Vyākaraṇa, traditionally attributed to Indra in Mahāvīra’s time, represents an indigenous Jain grammatical system predating Pāṇini. 2. Post-Pāṇinian Commentaries Jain scholars composed authoritative glosses and subcommentaries on all major schools Pāṇiniya, Kātantra, Sārasvata, Siddhāntakaumudī, and more thereby integrating Jain perspectives into mainstream grammar. 3. Notable Grammarians - Pujyapāda Devanandisimplicity simplicity, with key commentaries such as Kalāpadīpikā, Kātantrarūpamālā, and Kātantravṛttipañjikā by Bhavasena, Trilocanadāsa, and others.

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