Finding Vedic Elements in Pāṇini's Sandhi Rules: A Comparative Study of Ṛk-Prātiśākhya and Pāṇinian Grammar

Abstract: The grammatical genius of Pāṇini is often celebrated through the lens of Classical Sanskrit, yet the roots of his Aṣṭādhyāyī are deeply embedded in the soil of the Vedic Prātiśākhya tradition. While Pāṇini’s work serves as the definitive manual for the Classical Sanskrit, it incorporates nearly 270 sūtras specifically addressed to Chandas (the Vedas). This research article explores the profound influence of the Ṛk-prātiśākhya (RP) on Pāṇini’s formulation of Sandhi rules. By performing a comparative analysis of specific phonetic categories—such as Praśliṣṭa, Kṣaipra and Abhinihita and demonstrates that Pāṇini’s rules are not merely abstract algebraic formulations but are grounded in the descriptive phonetic observations of the early Vedic scholars. The paper argues that Pāṇini’s genius lies in his ability to generalize the specific, case-by-case observations of the RP into a universal generative system while preserving the unique "Vedic elements" that characterize the sacred Saṃhitā literature.