vyadú

Vyadu, also known as Vyāḍi, was an ancient Indian grammarian and scholar. He is primarily known for his significant contributions to the study of Sanskrit grammar. While specific biographical details about Vyadu are scarce, he is believed to have lived sometime between the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE. He is considered one of the most important figures in the tradition of Sanskrit grammar that predates Pāṇini, the author of the Ashtadhyayi.

Vyadu is credited with composing the *Uṇādisūtras*, a collection of aphorisms that deal with the formation of certain noun stems from verbal roots, particularly those that do not follow the standard rules of Sanskrit derivation. These sutras are crucial for understanding the etymology and morphology of a significant portion of Sanskrit vocabulary. The *Uṇādisūtras* have been subject to extensive commentary and interpretation by later scholars, attesting to their enduring importance.

He is also sometimes associated with other grammatical works, though the attribution of these is debated among scholars. His work reflects a systematic approach to understanding the structure and evolution of Sanskrit words. Vyadu's grammatical theories and the texts attributed to him have had a lasting impact on the development of Sanskrit linguistics and the preservation of the language.