India as Known to Panini: A Study of the Cultural Material in the Ashtadhyayi c12.s6.7

c12.s6.7

*Grāmaṇī Constitution of Pūgas.* Sūtra V.3.112 is important as throwing light on the nature and constitution of *Pūgas*. It shows that *Pūgas* derived their names in two ways; some were named after their Leader or *Grāmaṇī*, and some from other circumstances (*Pūgāññyo'grāmaṇī-pūrvāt*, V.3.112). The *Kāśikā* mentions Lohadhvaja, Chātaka and Śibi as Pūgas whose names were not derived from those of their leaders. But Devadattaka and Yajñadattaka are given as typical names of *Pūgas* called after the name of their *Grāmaṇī*. Thus those who recognised Devadatta as their *Grāmaṇī* were called *Devadattakāḥ*. This fact is significant, as we know that the organisation of a corporate band of persons under one leader is still the prevailing custom in the North-West. Many of the Pathan tribes or *khels* are named after their ancestral leaders corresponding to ancient *Grāmaṇīs*. Isazai, Usufzai, both living on the banks of the Indus, are names of this type. The name of the *Pūga* as derived from its original *Grāmaṇī* founder continued later on through generations.