It is the purpose of this thesis to study the history and development of the Mula Kaccayana Grammar and the parts it played as the main text in the study of the pali language in Thailand in the olden days. It treats the similarity and the difference between this text and other grammatical treatises which are traditionally accepted in this country. In addition to the main text of the grammar, the writer has also incorporated in this thesis a translation and a commentary on the Sutras in Part 5 of the text which deals specifically with verbs. A collection of verbal roots employed in the portion referred to above is also presented as a part of the thesis. Evidences and data with respect to this text were collected from many sources, both written and oral. Information was sought from Buddhist monk in several monasteries both in Bangkok and up-country, and from well known Pali scholars who were trained in the Subject in the old school. Allusions and other writings touching the method of Pali teaching and study in the olden days are also collected. The first chapter of the thesis deals with the problem in general and gives a background of Pali study in Thailand. The second chapter gives the history of the Mula Kaccayana and comparies it with other grammatical treatises, and teaching and studying method employed in Thailand in the olden days. Chapter three is translation and exposition of the Sutras of Part Five of Mula Kaccayana text which is the specific part dealing with the verbal system of the language. The fourth chapter is a collection of verbal roots found in Part Five of the text. The verbs treated are analysed by roots, prefixes and suffixes and then alphabetically arranged by Classes. The last chapter is the conclusion and suggestion in which the writer suggests that further researches on other aspects of Mula Kaccayana text be undertaken, so that the systematic study of the said text be completed and can serve as a reference for study of Pali in the future.
