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Synopsis Patanjali's Mahabhasya is not merely a commentary on Panini and Katyayana, but seeks to present the politico-socio scenario of his time. The present work is based on the data, as could be culled from the relevant illustrations and citations quoted by the Bhasyakara in support of his grammatical comments, as also supported by literary and epigraphic source materials. The study concentrates not only on the date, birth-place and identity of two or more Patanjalis, but also provides a study of the political history of the Sunga-Kanva and early Andhra rulers in proper perspectives. In addition, besides the geographical background, social life in all its facets, as all the economic conditions, followed by religion and literature have been fully brought out. The chapter on art and architecture is based on Bharhut and Sanci, the two contemporary art centres with rich sculptural details, and also includes a section on the terracottas of the Sunga period. The work in its totality provides a comprehensive study of the history and culture of Northern India of the period centring around c. 150 BC. In the edition, several chapters have received fresh treatment to make the work innovative with a flair of improved style and diction.