An (, ) is a kind of
dictionary
A dictionary is a listing of lexemes from the lexicon of one or more specific languages, often arranged Alphabetical order, alphabetically (or by Semitic root, consonantal root for Semitic languages or radical-and-stroke sorting, radical an ...
or
vocabulary
A vocabulary (also known as a lexicon) is a set of words, typically the set in a language or the set known to an individual. The word ''vocabulary'' originated from the Latin , meaning "a word, name". It forms an essential component of languag ...
of
Sanskrit
Sanskrit (; stem form ; nominal singular , ,) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in northwest South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural ...
. Its purpose was to be used as a general guide for
lexicography
Lexicography is the study of lexicons and the art of compiling dictionaries. It is divided into two separate academic disciplines:
* Practical lexicography is the art or craft of compiling, writing and editing dictionaries.
* Theoretical le ...
and word choice. Many of these works had been created in India. One of the oldest of them is the ''Abhidhana ratna - mala'', of
Halayudha Bhatta of the 7th century. The Abhidhana Chinta-mani of
Hema-chandra, a celebrated
Jaina writer of the 13th century, is often mentioned as among the best.
The sixty-four ''kalas'' (
fine arts
In European academic traditions, fine art (or, fine arts) is made primarily for aesthetics or creativity, creative expression, distinguishing it from popular art, decorative art or applied art, which also either serve some practical function ...
and
crafts
A craft or trade is a pastime or an occupation that requires particular skills and knowledge of skilled work. In a historical sense, particularly the Middle Ages and earlier, the term is usually applied to people occupied in small scale pr ...
) as mentioned by Ancient Indians include "Abhidhana kosa cando jnana" or the use of lexicography and meters as one of them.{{Citation needed, date=April 2008
References
* "History of Sanskrit lexicography" by Madhukar M. Patkar.
New Delhi
New Delhi (; ) is the Capital city, capital of India and a part of the Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). New Delhi is the seat of all three branches of the Government of India, hosting the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Parliament ...
: Munshiram Manoharlal, 1981
Sanskrit words and phrases
Lexicography