4. A Note on Kasika, 
By Surenpra Nato Mazumpar, SAstri, M.A. 
Professor Macdonell (in p. 432 of his History of Sanskrit 
Literature) describes the kasika-vrtti as the ‘‘ Benares commen- 
ar hus he derives ‘‘ kasika’’ from ‘“‘ Kasi’’ or Benares. 
But as there is no proof that this commentary was written in 
Benares, and as J do not know of any instance of naming a 
Sanskrit commentary after a place-name, this interpretation is 
oubtful. 
Now the root ‘‘ ka&’’ means ‘‘ to shine,’’ ‘‘ to be visible.’ 
Words like Pra-kaéa, Pra-kasika, kasika, etc., are derived sie 
it. And Pra- ka Sika (meaning ‘* oreatly cokes: go 
Pp 
intensive particle «“ Pra.?’? Hence kasika-vrtti means a com- 
mentary illuminating (explaining) [the siitras of Panini] wane 
it has nothing to do with Benares. 
