The Bhagavrtti

Summary

The Bhagavrtti is an ancient Sanskrit grammatical commentary whose authorship remains uncertain. While some scholars, like Prof. Sris Chandra Chakravarti, speculated it was written by Bhartrhari, this claim is disputed. Chakravarti cited passages from grammatical texts that mention the Bhagavrtti, but these references do not conclusively link the work to Bhartrhari. Later scholars, such as Haraprasada Sastri, dismissed Chakravarti’s arguments as unreliable due to historical inaccuracies and confusion between Bhatti and Bhartrhari. The identity of the Bhagavrtti’s author is debated. One candidate is Vimalamati, mentioned in the Kaitantra-Parisista, though it is unclear if this refers to the same individual as other Vimalamatis associated with commentaries on the Candravyikarana. The Bhagavrtti’s grammatical positions often diverge from early commentators like Kuni and Jayaditya, suggesting it was written later. It critiques the Kasika and aligns more closely with the Bhigya, as seen in its treatment of grammatical rules like the dictum *nityalukbh*. The text discusses quotations from the Vedas and challenges earlier interpretations, such as the Kasika’s view on *vāsa* and *māṇa*. It also addresses compound formation and grammatical distinctions, often contradicting contemporary scholars. The Bhagavrtti’s influence is evident in later grammatical literature, with its unique interpretations cited by subsequent commentators. Despite extensive analysis, the author’s identity and exact time period remain unresolved, though the work is recognized for its distinct perspective in Paninian grammar.