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Introduction
ссxсні Hemachandra also wrote a Bịhannyāsa on his grammar-a fragment of which has been discovered and edited by Pt. Bhagavandas Doshi. According to the tradition the extent of this work was 84000 slokas. If we are to judge from the fragment, we can say that the tradition is right. This work is modelled upon the Mahābhāshya of Patanjali.
Hemachandra, has, consciously, tried to give his work a non-sectarian character by making his Mangala in such a way as to be acceptable to all the sects. In the commentary on the second sūtra, Hemachandra makes it clear that “As Sabdānuşāsana is common to all sects, it would be very pleasant to have recourse to Syādvāda which is the synthesis of all Darsanas."
This grammar is not only a work of profound and wide learning, but is written with such skill as to make the whole subject clear to students of different grades. The author has not pretended to be original in a subject where there was not much scope for originality of matter, but has aimed at being as useful to the students of the subject as he could. Judged from this point of view there is a distinct originality in the treatment of the matter. And we must remember, the royal request was to prepare a grammar which would be perfect' and yet 'easy to grasp'. That purpose is completely fulfilled in this work. In fact, in estimating the works of Hemachandra, we must always keep in mind the aim which he generally makes clear in the beginning of his books.
After the grammar with its Angas was completed Hemachandra undertook lexicography of Samskrta and Deşi words. We learn this from the first verses of
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