Cosmological Classification of Pāṇinian Verbs: A Study Based on Elemental Functions.
Dr. Abhijit Mandal
Assistant Professor
Department of Sanskrit
Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University
Abstract:
This paper proposes a novel approach to the classification of Pāṇinian verbs by correlating their semantic functions with cosmological principles, particularly the elemental framework found in Indian philosophical traditions. While traditional grammatical analysis classifies verbs (धातवः) based on morphological and syntactic criteria such as gaṇa (verbal class), pada (voice), and karma (transitivity), the present study attempts to reinterpret these categories through a cosmological lens.
Taking the पृथ्वी (Earth) element as a primary example—whose essential characteristic is धारण (holding, supporting)—the paper examines verbs like धृ (“धृञ् धारणे”, “धृङ् अवस्थाने”) and मञ्च् (“मचिँ धारणोच्छ्रायपूजनेषु”). These verbs, despite belonging to different gaṇas and exhibiting variations in pada and transitivity, share a common semantic core related to support, stability, and elevation. Such semantic unity reflects the पृथ्वी-tattva, which embodies stability, sustenance, and structural integrity.
By mapping verbal meanings onto cosmological functions, this study highlights an intrinsic relationship between language and ontology in the Indian intellectual tradition. It argues that Pāṇinian grammar, when viewed beyond its formal structure, can be aligned with broader philosophical and cosmological insights. This integrative approach not only enriches our understanding of dhātu-semantics but also opens new avenues for interdisciplinary research connecting Vyākaraṇa with Darśana and cosmology.