Who among the following is the author of ‘Ashtadhyayi’, the Sanskrit grammar?

The 'Ashtadhyayi' is a foundational work on Sanskrit grammar authored by the celebrated Indian linguist Panini [3]. Composed around the 5th or 6th century BCE, the text consists of approximately 3,996 short sutras or aphorisms organized into eight chapters [3]. Panini's work is considered a landmark in linguistic history for its systematic and generative approach to language, often compared to modern mathematical models [6]. While other scholars mentioned in the options also contributed to Sanskrit literature, their works are distinct: Patanjali is known for the 'Mahabhashya', a commentary on Panini's grammar [4]; Kalidasa is famous for poetic works like 'Meghadutam' [2]; and Banabhatta authored the 'Harshacharita'. Panini's 'Ashtadhyayi' remains the definitive touchstone for the correctness of the Sanskrit language [5].

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 7: The Guptas > Sanskrit Grammar > p. 99
2. [3] https://www.sanskrit.nic.in/about_sanskrit.php
3. [5] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Through the Eyes of Travellers > Translating texts, sharing ideas > p. 116
4. [6] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 159
5. [4] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ashtadhyayi
6. [2] 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