Which of the following compositions ascertains that Panini and Vararuchi were contemporaries of the Nandas ?

The correct answer is - Bruhatkatha

Key Points

• Bruhatkatha
  • The Bruhatkatha is an ancient Sanskrit text attributed to Gunadhya.
  • It is a significant source of historical and cultural knowledge and contains references to various events, including the contemporaneity of Panini and Vararuchi with the Nanda dynasty.
  • This text provides evidence that Panini and Vararuchi were associated with the same historical period as the Nanda rulers, emphasizing their existence during the 4th century BCE.
  • The work showcases the intellectual and literary advancements of that era, making it a vital source for historical references.

Additional Information

• About the Nanda Dynasty
  • The Nanda dynasty ruled parts of northern India during the 4th century BCE, preceding the Mauryan Empire.
  • They are known for their wealth, centralized administration, and contributions to the development of the Indian subcontinent during the pre-Mauryan period.
  • The Nanda rulers were contemporaries of several significant historical figures, including Alexander the Great and scholars like Panini.
• Panini and Vararuchi
  • Panini was a great Sanskrit grammarian and the author of Ashtadhyayi, a foundational text in Sanskrit grammar.
  • Vararuchi was a renowned scholar and is traditionally associated with contributions to grammar and astronomy.
  • Both scholars are linked through references in ancient texts, placing them in the same era as the Nanda dynasty.
• Other Options Explained
  • Gathasaptasati: A collection of Prakrit poems attributed to King Hala, unrelated to the Nanda dynasty.
  • Tolkapiyam: An ancient Tamil grammatical work, unrelated to the historical period of the Nandas.
  • Mrichhakatikam: A Sanskrit play by Shudraka, set in Ujjain, but it does not reference the contemporaneity of Panini or Vararuchi with the Nandas.