Option a is the correct answer. The reference to Ashoka winning the Avanti Mahajapad and merging it into the Mauryan empire during Bindusara's rule is found in the text Samantapāsādikā of Buddha Ghosh. Samantapāsādikā is a collection of Pali commentaries on the Theravada Tipitaka Vinaya, translated from Sinhala to Pali by Buddhaghosa in the 5th century. This text provides historical and narrative details related to ancient India, including events related to Ashoka's reign. Important Tips Samant Pasadika of Buddha Ghosh: Samantapāsādikā is a Pali commentary on Theravada Vinaya, translated by Buddhaghosa in the 5th century. Derived from Sinhala texts, it features verses from the older Dipavamsa. "Samanta" conveys "all," while "pāsādika" means "lovely" or "pleasing." Ashtadhyayi of Panini: Attributed to Pānini around 500 BCE, the Astādhyāyi characterizes the language of his era, incorporating both Vedic and contemporary dialectal elements. This work employs a derivational system, using affixes on bases to generate real speech from theoretical utterances. Complemented by Aksharasamamnaya, dhātupātha, and ganapātha, it offers insights into linguistic structure. Mahabhashya of Patanjali: Mahabhashya, attributed to Patañjali, is a commentary on Pānini's Astādhyāyi and Kātyāyana's Vārttika-sūtra, refining Indian linguistic scholarship. Dated to 2nd century BCE, it systematizes shiksha, vyakarana, and etymology, while analyzing Kātyāyana. Mahābhāshya covers 1228 of 3981 Astādhyāyi sūtras, divided into 85 sections for daily study. It's a blend of grammar and philosophical discourse.