HISTORY OF SANSKRIT LITERATURE
by Dr. V.C. Govindarajan
Introduction:
Indians did not have the sense of writings of remarkable events in the
History. Even the poets did not give
many evidences about their dates and contemporary. Rarely some poets had mentioned some names,
which give some evidences to trace out the dates of History of India. Sanskrit and History of India go hand in hand. If someone wants to learn about the History,
culture, wisdom and custom of India should go through Sanskrit Literature. Otherwise it will be like the imagination of
an elephant by four blind people.
The
Europeans study date of Vedas and we don’t mind it to know. Most of the dates
of Sanskrit Scholars, kings, events in Inidan History etc. are
identified/guessed only by European Scholars. Our faith is that vedas were
adviced by the Supreme Lord to the creator at the beginning stage of the
creation. (ref. Purushasuktam) Because
we strongly accept the words of our forefathers. We believe the classifications of four Yugas,
Manvantharas etc. But the Europeans
scholars no need to believe them.
According to Indian tradition and astrology the Universe is created long
long ago. The calculations will be given
later in this series.
In
the ancient Indian tribe was identified as Aryan and they moved from Central
Asia and their language was Sanskrit.
This is strongly accepted by all over the world and books are published
in that way. If so, no place is
mentioned like that in the Sanskrit literature.
King Kanishka in BC who ruled Afganisthan, Pak., Punjab and parts of
Iran, patronised Sanskrit in his court.
That was the first period noted that some Sanskrit Scholars were there
in his court.
Vedic Period: Vedic
religion started around 4000 B.C. (6,000 years before) according to Prof.
Jacobi. Dr.Winternitz says X period
(unknown) to 500 B.C. Vedas are divided
into 4 by Krishna Dwaipayana @ Vyasa Maharishi.
There were learnt without any classification before him.
Rig Veda: Rig veda consists 1,017 or 1,028 hymns or
suktas which have been divided into 10 Mandalas or Chapters, according to the
names of Sages and subject matter. First
and 10th mandalas are considered as later addition. Purushasukta is available in the 10th
mandala. The mantras gives the
political, social, economic and religious life of the people of Rig Vedic
India.
Sama Veda: ‘Vedaanam Saama Vedosmi’ this is the praise of
this great veda by Lord Krishna himself in Bhagavad Gita. This is birthplace of Music. It contains
1,549 or 1,810 hymns, which meant to be sung during the Soma yaaga. Except 75 hymns all other hymns are taken
from Rig Veda. This veda shows the
interest of Music of Aryans.
Yajur Veda: There are two types of Yajur Veda 1) Krishna
Yajus and 2) Sukla Yajus. In the present
world this Veda is widely learnt. This
Veda contains hymns of various Sacrifices like Aswamedha, Rajasuya, etc.
Atharva Veda: This is last Veda and it was considered that
this Veda was not accepted as a Veda for a long period. It resembles Rig Veda. This is a very beautiful Veda in which we get
the information of diseases, noxious
animals, demons, enemies, harmony in family and village life, long and healthy
life, prosperity etc.
The
European and Indian researchers say that Rig Veda was originated first then one
by one. We get the evidence from Veda
itself that these four Vedas are breath of God and without any reason the
Brahmins must learn Vedas with their six sections called Vedangas. They are Siksha, Vyakaranam, Chandas,
Niruktham, Jyothisham and Kalpa. Vedas
developed in the three stages they are Brahmanas (not Brahmins), Aranyakas and
Upanishads. We will see them in the next
episode.
(orginally written on 09-11-2003)
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