NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 6: New questions and ideas

mcqeasy

Which ancient Indian scholar is credited with the formulation of Sanskrit grammar rules by arranging vowels and consonants in a specific algebraic order?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AValmiki
BVyasa
CPanini
DAryabhata

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Solution

The correct option is

Panini

Explanation

The systematic study of language (Vyakarana) was one of the six Vedangas (limbs of the Vedas) developed to ensure the correct pronunciation and interpretation of Vedic texts. This tradition culminated in the work of Panini.

Detailed Analysis:

Panini (Correct): Panini (c. 5th–4th century BCE) is the author of the Ashtadhyayi, the foundational text of Sanskrit grammar. He formulated a comprehensive set of roughly 4,000 rules (sutras). A unique feature of his work is the Shiva Sutras (Maheshwara Sutras), where he arranged vowels and consonants in a specific order. This arrangement allowed him to create algebraic abbreviations (Pratyaharas) to refer to classes of phonemes concisely, functioning similarly to modern computer programming logic.
Aryabhata (Incorrect): He was a mathematician and astronomer from the classical age (Gupta period, c. 5th century CE), known for the Aryabhatiya. He is not associated with the formulation of grammar.
Valmiki (Incorrect): He is the sage traditionally credited with composing the epic Ramayana.
Vyasa (Incorrect): He is the sage traditionally credited with compiling the Vedas and composing the epic Mahabharata.

Key Takeaway: Panini's Ashtadhyayi represents the pinnacle of ancient linguistic science, utilizing an algebraic method based on the Shiva Sutras to define the rules of Sanskrit grammar.

Your note

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The term ‘Tanha’ used in the teachings of the Buddha refers to:

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Consider the following statements regarding the teachings of the Buddha: 1. He taught in the Sanskrit language to ensure purity of the message. 2. He believed that the results of our actions (karma) affect us both in this life and the next. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Upanishadic thinkers, consider the following statements: 1. Most Upanishadic thinkers were men, especially brahmins and rajas. 2. Gargi was a woman thinker famous for her learning who participated in royal court debates. 3. Satyakama Jabala was a famous thinker named after his mother, who was a slave woman. 4. Poor people were strictly prohibited from ever participating in discussions on philosophy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is

Panini

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

Panini (Correct): Panini (c. 5th–4th century BCE) is the author of the Ashtadhyayi, the foundational text of Sanskrit grammar. He formulated a comprehensive set of roughly 4,000 rules (sutras). A unique feature of his work is the Shiva Sutras (Maheshwara Sutras), where he arranged vowels and consonants in a specific order. This arrangement allowed him to create algebraic abbreviations (Pratyaharas) to refer to classes of phonemes concisely, functioning similarly to modern computer programming logic.
Aryabhata (Incorrect): He was a mathematician and astronomer from the classical age (Gupta period, c. 5th century CE), known for the Aryabhatiya. He is not associated with the formulation of grammar.
Valmiki (Incorrect): He is the sage traditionally credited with composing the epic Ramayana.
Vyasa (Incorrect): He is the sage traditionally credited with compiling the Vedas and composing the epic Mahabharata.

Key Takeaway: Panini's Ashtadhyayi represents the pinnacle of ancient linguistic science, utilizing an algebraic method based on the Shiva Sutras to define the rules of Sanskrit grammar.