A Study of the un-Paninian Verb-forms in the Critical Edition of the Adiparvan of the Mahabharata

Summary

A Study of the un‑Paninian Verb‑forms in the Critical Edition of the Adiparvan of the Mahabharata examines verb forms in the Mahābhārata’s Adiparvan that do not conform to Pāṇini’s rules. The author points out that while most verbs in the epic follow Classical Sanskrit conjugation, there are notable deviations, such as roots normally assigned to non‑thematic classes being conjugated according to Class I or Class IV. Examples include transfers from second to first conjugation and vice versa, sometimes to avoid metrical irregularities like catalectic feet. The paper details cases where weak and strong stems interchange, causatives influence presents, and thematic roots appear in non‑thematic forms. The study notes parallels with Pāli and Prakrit, where similar shifts occur, suggesting that epic Sanskrit reflects a transitional stage in the language. By analysing the variants recorded in the critical edition, the author shows that scribes often regularised irregular forms by substituting attested alternatives, indicating a desire to conform to normative grammar. The discussion includes rare imperatives and aorist forms that preserve archaic features or reflect dialectal influence. The author concludes that many un‑Paninian forms arise from analogy, metrical pressure or influence from spoken dialects rather than error. The article underscores the need for grammarians to account for the fluidity of verbal morphology in epic literature and to recognise that Pāṇini’s system coexisted with earlier and later conventions.