Who led a team of dozen scholars in collecting Sanskrit manuscripts and preparing a critical edition of the 'Mahabharata' ?

V.S. Sukthankar

The correct answer is Option (3) → V.S. Sukthankar

Expertise in Sanskrit: Sukthankar was a renowned scholar with a deep understanding of Sanskrit, which was essential for working with the ancient Sanskrit manuscripts of the 'Mahabharata.' His expertise in the language allowed him to interpret and evaluate the different versions of the epic.

Collation and Compilation: The 'Mahabharata' is an ancient Indian epic that exists in multiple versions with numerous variations. Sukthankar and his team undertook the extensive task of collecting and collating these manuscripts to create a standardized and critical edition that could serve as a reference for scholars.

Establishing Authoritative Text: The critical edition aimed to establish an authoritative and authentic text of the 'Mahabharata' by reconciling various regional and textual differences. This was a significant contribution to the field of Sanskrit literature and Indian scholarship.

Historical and Cultural Significance: The 'Mahabharata' is one of the most important and revered texts in Indian culture, and creating a standardized edition was crucial for preserving and understanding this monumental work. Sukthankar's work had far-reaching implications for the study of ancient Indian literature and history.

So, the correct option is [3].