India as Known to Panini: A Study of the Cultural Material in the Ashtadhyayi c12.s1.46

c12.s1.46

The *Vinayādi gaṇa* includes important terms relating to a variety of governmental functions of which the following may be noted: (1) *Sāmayika*, that which appertains to Samayas or established contractual relationships; (2) *Sāmayāchārika*, the subject of customary law or usage—the term forms the subject of a Section in the *Arthaśāstra* (Book V, Sec. 5)—and as stated by Āpastamba was the basis of *dharma* (*Athātaḥ sāmayāchārikān dharmān vyākhyāsyāmaḥ*, *Hindu Polity*, II. 106); (3) *Aupayika*, everything concerning ways and means (*Arth*. II.10, p. 74); *Vyāvahārika*, transaction of law; (4) *Ātyayika* urgent business, mentioned both by Kauṭilya (I.15, p. 29) and Aśoka (R.E.VI) as already seen, which required immediate attention of the king and his ministers; (5) *Sāmutkarshika*, problems of development; (6) *Sāmpradanika*, affairs relating to royal charities; (7) *Aupachārika*, State ceremonial; (8) *Sāmācharika*, the business of correct procedure. Obviously the author of the *Gaṇa-pāṭha* is here in touch with living tradition borrowing these terms from actual administration.