Who among the following ancient scholars is regarded as the first major grammarian of the Sanskrit language.

Introduction / Context:
Sanskrit is one of the oldest and most systematically studied languages in the world. Its grammatical tradition is both ancient and highly sophisticated. This question asks about the earliest major grammarian of Sanskrit whose work laid the foundation for later linguistic analysis. Recognising this scholar and his contribution is important for understanding the history of Indian linguistics and classical literature.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is Sanskrit grammar. • The question asks for the first major grammarian of Sanskrit. • Options include Kalhana, Maitreyi, Kalidasa, Panini, and Patanjali. • We assume basic knowledge of who these figures are and their fields.

Concept / Approach:
Panini is universally recognised as the earliest and most influential grammarian of Sanskrit. His work, the Ashtadhyayi, systematised the language in a concise and scientific way, using sutras or short rules. Kalidasa was a great classical poet and dramatist, not a grammarian. Kalhana was a historian of Kashmir. Maitreyi is known as a Vedic philosopher. Patanjali wrote the Mahabhashya, a later commentary on Panini grammar. Therefore, the correct approach is to identify Panini as the first major Sanskrit grammarian.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Panini composed the Ashtadhyayi, a foundational text on Sanskrit grammar. Step 2: Recognise that he lived before Kalidasa and Patanjali and is considered the earliest major authority on systematic grammar. Step 3: Check each option. Kalhana wrote the chronicle Rajatarangini, Maitreyi appears in Upanishadic dialogues, Kalidasa is a poet and dramatist, and Patanjali is a later commentator. Step 4: Only Panini fits the description of the first major grammarian. Step 5: Conclude that Panini is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
References to the history of linguistics or Sanskrit studies always name Panini as a pioneering grammarian whose work predates commentators such as Patanjali. His rules strongly influenced later Indian and even modern linguistic theory. Other figures in the options are associated with very different genres: Kalidasa with drama and poetry, Kalhana with historical narrative, and Maitreyi with philosophical dialogue. This confirms that Panini alone satisfies the conditions of the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kalhana: Known for Rajatarangini, a historical chronicle of Kashmir, not for grammatical works. Maitreyi: A Vedic sage and philosopher mentioned in the Upanishads, not a grammarian of Sanskrit. Kalidasa: One of the greatest Sanskrit poets and dramatists, author of works like Abhijnana Shakuntalam, but not a grammarian. Patanjali: A later scholar who wrote the Mahabhashya, a commentary on Panini Ashtadhyayi, so he came after Panini and does not qualify as the first major grammarian.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse Panini with Patanjali because both are associated with Sanskrit grammar. A helpful way to avoid this is to remember that Panini created the main grammatical system, while Patanjali explained and commented on it later. Another error is to pick Kalidasa simply because his name is very famous in Sanskrit literature. To prevent such mistakes, always connect Panini with Ashtadhyayi and the birth of systematic Sanskrit grammar.

Final Answer:
The ancient scholar regarded as the first major grammarian of the Sanskrit language is Panini.