In the field of ancient Indian learning, who among the following is traditionally credited with composing the authoritative work on Sanskrit grammar known as the Ashtadhyayi?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on the intellectual history of ancient India, specifically on the development of Sanskrit grammar. The Ashtadhyayi is a foundational text in linguistic science and grammar, and its author is highly revered. Recognising who composed this work helps you connect fields such as language, philosophy and education in ancient Indian civilisation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is Sanskrit grammar and its classical codification.
• The work in question is the Ashtadhyayi, though the name may not be explicitly mentioned in the stem.
• Options: Kalidasa, Charaka, Panini, Aryabhata.
• We assume standard traditional attributions used in history of Sanskrit literature.

Concept / Approach:
Panini was an ancient Indian grammarian traditionally dated around the 5th or 4th century BCE. His work, the Ashtadhyayi, systematically codifies Sanskrit grammar using concise sutras and is often considered one of the earliest and most sophisticated works of descriptive linguistics in the world. Kalidasa is famous as a classical poet and playwright, Charaka is associated with Ayurveda and medicine, and Aryabhata is a mathematician–astronomer. Thus, only Panini fits the description of a Sanskrit grammar author.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question is about Sanskrit grammar, not poetry, medicine or astronomy. Step 2: Recall that Panini composed the Ashtadhyayi, a landmark text on Sanskrit grammar. Step 3: Match each option with their main field: Kalidasa (literature), Charaka (medicine), Panini (grammar), Aryabhata (mathematics–astronomy). Step 4: Confirm that Panini alone is categorised as a grammarian. Step 5: Select Panini as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Quick reference tables in exam books under “Important authors and their works” always list “Panini – Ashtadhyayi – Sanskrit grammar.” Kalidasa is consistently paired with works like Abhijnanasakuntalam, Meghaduta, and Raghuvamsha. Charaka is linked with the Charaka Samhita in Ayurveda, and Aryabhata with the Aryabhatiya in mathematics and astronomy. This cross-check confirms that Panini, not the others, is the grammarian asked about in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a (Kalidasa) is incorrect because he is celebrated for Sanskrit plays and poems, not for writing a grammar treatise. Option b (Charaka) is associated with ancient Indian medicine and compiled the Charaka Samhita. Option d (Aryabhata) made pioneering contributions to mathematics and astronomy, including ideas about zero and the rotation of the Earth. None of these figures is known for compiling the foundational Sanskrit grammar text, which is clearly Panini's domain.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes students answer quickly based on name recognition and may pick Kalidasa since he is a famous Sanskrit figure. Another pitfall is to mis-associate Aryabhata with languages because of his overall fame in ancient learning. To avoid such errors, create a mental map: Panini–grammar, Kalidasa–poetry, Charaka–Ayurveda, Aryabhata–astronomy/mathematics. This simple mapping helps in many similar MCQs across different subjects.

Final Answer:
Panini is traditionally credited with writing the authoritative Sanskrit grammar text Ashtadhyayi.