State and Government in Ancient India c8.s2.30

c8.s2.30

The reference to the Madras, the Kambojas, the Lichchhavis and the Mallas as republics in Bk. XI, Chap. I of the *Arthaśāstra* would also support the view that the book belongs to the early Mauryan times, when these republics are known to have been flourishing. In the 4th century A. D. very few knew of their existence as republics. Like Yāska, who was a predecessor of Pāṇini, the *Arthśāstra* refers to only four parts of speech, and not to eight as has been done by the great grammarian. This would suggest that Pāṇini's grammar had not yet become very authoritative in the days of Kauṭilya. He should therefore be placed in the 4th century B. C. rather than in the 4th century A. D.