Indian Epigraphy c8.s1.18

c8.s1.18

The Sanskrit language as used in the early inscriptions shows that the influence of the grammar of Pāṇini was not fully established even in the central part of India, which was the home of its great commentator, Patañjali (2nd century B.C.) of Gonarda (between Ujjayinī and Vidiśā),⁴ as late as the 3rd century A.D. This is indicated by Prakritic forms occurring in Sanskrit epigraphs, e.g. khānāpita (for khānita preferred by the Paninean school) noticed in a Śārdūlavikrīḍita stanza in the Kanakhera (near Sanchi) inscription⁵ (3rd century A.D.) of Śaka Śrīdharavarman.