Which one among the following is the earliest text ?

Among the given options, the Ashtadhyayi of Panini is the earliest text. Panini is widely dated to around the 5th century BCE, specifically during the time of the Nanda dynasty [2]. It is a foundational work on Sanskrit grammar consisting of nearly 4,000 sutras. In contrast, the Natyashastra of Bharata is generally placed between 200 BCE and 200 CE, with some scholars suggesting a 2nd century BCE origin based on references within the text [1]. The Manusmriti (Manava Dharmashastra) and the Sushruta Samhita are typically dated to the post-Mauryan or early centuries of the Common Era, significantly later than Panini's grammatical treatise. While the Rig Veda is the oldest Indian text overall (c. 1500–1000 BCE), among the specific choices provided, the Ashtadhyayi represents the earliest chronological layer of scientific and linguistic literature [1].

Sources

1. [2] https://www.sanskrit.nic.in/about_sanskrit.php
2. [1] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: The Rise of Empires > DON'T MISS OUT > p. 95