Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The inquiry seeks to identify the modern linguist who bestowed significant praise upon Pāṇini's grammatical work, the Aṣṭādhyāyī.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The renowned tribute to Pāṇini was articulated by the highly influential American linguist Leonard Bloomfield. In his pivotal 1933 publication, "Language," which served as a cornerstone for structural linguistics in America, Bloomfield characterized Pāṇini's Aṣṭādhyāyī as "one of the greatest monuments of human intelligence."
He viewed Pāṇini's scholarship as a paradigm of formal, descriptive analysis, unmatched in its comprehensiveness and internal coherence until the 19th century. Bloomfield's endorsement was instrumental in establishing Pāṇini's standing within modern linguistics as a precursor to structuralist thinking.
Ferdinand de Saussure: The Swiss linguist, often referred to as the "father of modern linguistics," was influenced by Pāṇinian grammar, but the specific commendation in question is not attributed to him.
Patrick Olivelle: A contemporary scholar specializing in the translation of Sanskrit texts.
Nāgeśa Bhaṭṭa: An esteemed Indian grammarian from the 18th century who operated within the Pāṇinian tradition.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The commendation originated from Leonard Bloomfield. Consequently, option (3) is the correct selection.