Major vs. Minor Grammars

Re: Major vs. Minor:

>> Viewed in this way, there are altogether four Pali
>> grammatical systems, namely, Kaccaayana, Moggallaana,
>> Saddaniiti and Saddasa`ngaha. They are called "major"
>> grammars.
>
>I see. If a grammar being arranged in the form of suttas is
>all that is required for it to be classed as "major", I'm a little
>surprised that there are *only* four. I wonder, were others
>written and later lost?

There are other criteria.  The "Major" grammars subsequent to Kacc. each
"broke off" from the earlier tradition(s) to some considerable extent
  --although this spirit of criticism and re-invention is hardly visible to
modern readers (who are, perhaps, accustomed to more open hostility and
sectarianism in such matters --the Pali grammarians never evince any such
rancour as is common to modern academia).  In any case, Malalasekera's
_History of Pali Literature in Sri Lanka_ (approximate title --i.e., from
memory) does adumbrate the "controversies" that separate the Mogg. school
from the Kacc. --and each new "Major" grammar was considered to have founded
a new school of thought in the pedagogy of the language.  Again, unlike
modern controversies, I do not think there was any attempt to render earlier
texts obsolete --but Malalasekera does draw attention to pointed differences
of opinion between Mogg. & Kacc. --as well as between Buddhaghosa & Kacc.
(although I find his argument less substantive on the latter point).

In short: no, I would not say that verse vs. prose is the only criterion for
a "Major" grammar.  It may also be pointed out that most of the minor works
declare themselves as such --being explicitly identified with one "Major"
grammar's tradition to the exclusion of others in their introductory verses.

E.M.

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