PREFACE

The main aim and objective of grammar is to bring refinement or

perfection to the language spoken in the contemporary society. It regularises or
systematises the language introducing certain rules and regulations which lead to the
formation of correct words. Paninis Astadhyayf is one of the most standard
grammatical treatises everproduced in the languages of the world in general and in
the Indo-European dialects in particular. This has been held with high appreciation
both by native and foreign scholars. But the origins of Katantra Vyakarana seem to
have come out of a felt desire for a more popular and easier grammar than Paninis
formidable system provides. In keeping with the motivations to brevity and simplicity,
the Katantra sutras return to the older method of ordering the syllables (as found in
Pratisdkhyas), arrange discussions of things more naturally (similarly to the
arrangement later adopted within the Paninian tradition by Bhattoji DIksita in his
Siddhanta kaumudi), and omit many of the most difficult rules prescribed by Panini.
The result is a work of about fourteen hundred sutras only, in contrast to Paninis
four thousand. The present work is an humble attempt to present a comparative study
of both Paninian and Katantra systems of grammar.

The author in a deep sense of humility accords the help of both mental
and material received from various sources, personalities and Institutes for carrying
on this study.

I am extremely indebted to Prof. Alekh Chandra Sarangi, my teacher,

and now supervisor of my thesis, more accurately the friend, philosopher and guide
in true sense of terms whose able, learned and proportionate guidance, non-theless
his inspiring instructions have been instrumental for the author to complete this work.

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I am also indebted to my revered teacher Dr. R.M.Dash, Reader, P.G.

Deptt. of Sanskrit, Utkal University, for his inspiring words and guidance in initial
stage of my research career.

I convey my gratitude to Smt. Pramila Mishra, Senior Lecturer,

Dhenkanal Womens College, Dhenkanal, for her encouraging suggestions and
motherly treatment during the present study.

I should acknowledge the blessings of my parents and superior family

members and wishes of my well-wishers, friends who have directly or indirectly
helped me in my present undertaking.

last but not the least I thank my wife Mrs. Bidyut Prava Satpathy who
has persistently been behind my academic and research progress and thoroughly
inspiring me to complete the work.

I myself take all responsibilities for my errors I may have committed

in the thesis

15.5.97

RABINDRA KUMAR SATPATHY