Indian literature is the verbal form of Indian knowledge. The verbal form means "source of knowledge", the main form of which is the Vedas, which are divided into four main Vedas. These Vedas are spread over different branches and the elaboration of the mantras of the Vedas extends to Samhita, Aranyaka, Brahmana grantha, Upanishad, Kalpa Sutra, Shulva Sutra, Dharmasutra Shrauta Sutra etc.
Each Veda has a "Shiksha" grantha for the knowledge of pronunciation and words. To understand the Vedas, one has to study its organs. Those organs of the Vedas are Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chhanda, Jyotish.
Indian literature has an important place for the epic poetry which we call history. And its vocabulary is also very vast. In which "Mahabharata" spread over one lakh shlokas and "Shrimad Valmiki Ramayana" covered in twenty-four thousand shlokas are available. From both these epics, various poets have created Maha Kavya, Khand Kavya, Sandesh Kavya, Raga Kavya and Stotra Kavya.
Philosophy is also a form of Indian literature. Which gives us arguments and logic to know the Vedic principles and to refute other untrue and false principles. And introduces us to the truth, which we know as “Shad Darshan”. It is a Astika Darshan which considers Vedas as proof. Their names are Samkhya Yoga, Vaisheshika-Nyaya Purva Mimamsa, Uttara Mimamsa. These are Astika Darshanas.
Darshanas that do not accept the Vedas as proof include Charvaka-Jain-Buddha Darshanas.
There has also been a creation of very different traditions and various texts of Nyaya Mimansa Shastras.
Mimansa Shastra is very useful for understanding the connection and sentence purpose of the sentences of the Vedas.
Nyaya Shastra helps in establishing Dharma, refuting false arguments, and arriving at the truth.
Vedanta describes metaphysics, including the soul (Atman), the world (Jagat), and God (Ishvara), and different schools of thought such as Advaita Vedanta, Dvaita Vedanta, Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, Dvaita, Shuddhadvaita, etc. It discusses the philosophies of various Acharyas (scholars) based on the Vedas.
Tantra Agama are a part of Indian literature and include Shaiva Agama, Shakta Agama, and Vaishnava Agama. They describe the forms of Devatas (deities), elements of nature, methods of worship (puja), and mantras used for various purposes.
Eighteen Puranas and Up-Puranas are also part of Indian literature and describe various Devatas, the philosophies of the Vedas, and Dharma Shastra.
Dharma Shastra refers to the Dharmasutras in the four Vedas and Smriti texts, which describe the rules and regulations according to the Vedas.
Vyakarana Shastra includes Shabdakosha (lexicon) and Khand Kavya (poetry), which help in achieving moksha (liberation).
Jyotish Shastra includes Phalita Jyotish (predictions based on horoscopes) and Ganita Jyotish (astronomical calculations).
Ayurveda includes ancient and modern medical theories.
Rajniti Shastra (Polity), Sangita Shastra (Musicology), and Arthashastra (Economics) are also important parts of Indian literature
Eighteen Fields of Knowledge
Two verses mentioning the eighteen fields of knowledge:
अङगानि वेदाश्चत्वारो मीमाांसान्यायनवस्तरः । धममशास्त्रां पुराणञ्च नवद्ाः ह्येताश्चतुदमश ॥ याज्ञवल्क्यस्मृनतः 1.3
आयुवेदो धिुवेदो गन्धवमश्चेनत ते त्रयः ।
अङर्मशास्त्रां चतुर्म तु नवद्ाः ह्यष्टादशैव ताः ।। नवष्णुपुराणम् 3.6.28
The Vedas are called apauruṣeya (not created by man) because they are not written by any human intellect. The mantras of the Vedas were heard by the sages in a state of samadhi (deep meditation) and came out of the mouths of the sages. Sage Vyasa compiled these mantras and named it "Adiveda" (first Veda). From then on, Sage Vyasa is called Ved Vyasa.
Veda Vyasa then divided the Vedas into four parts, which are as follows:
|
1.Rigveda |
2.Yajurveda |
3.Samaveda |
4.Atharvaveda |
Eighteen refers to the eighteen fields of knowledge. These include the four Vedas mentioned earlier. Then six Vedangas are included, which are as follows:
|
1.Shiksha (phonetics) |
2.Vyakarana (grammar) |
3.Nirukta (etymology) |
|
4.Jyotish (astronomy) |
5.Chhanda (meter) |
6.Kalpa (rituals) |
After that eighteen fields of knowledge include four Upangas, which are as follows:
|
1.Mimansa |
2.Nyaya Darshan |
3.18 Puranas |
4. Dharmasutras |
Here, Mimansa and Nyaya Darshan are two of the six Darshanas (philosophies). (Six Darshanas - Yoga and Samkhya, Nyaya and Vaisheshika, Purva Mimamsa and Uttara Mimamsa)
In addition, the eighteen fields of knowledge also include four Upavedas, which are as follows:
|
1. Ayurveda |
2.Dhanurveda |
3.Gandharvaveda |
4. Arthashastra or Sthapatyaveda |
The Four Vedas
Rigveda: The Rigveda is the oldest and most important of the four Vedas, both in terms of antiquity and availability. It is the foundation of all knowledge and serves as the underlying text for all other Vedas. Sage Vyasa is credited with having first taught the Rigveda to Sage Paila, who then initiated the study of the Rigveda for all. Sage Paila is therefore considered the first carrier of the Rigveda study tradition. The Rigveda is derived from the word "ruca" or "rk," which means "hymnic mantra." The Rigveda contains a total of 8 Ashtakas, 10 Mandalas, 1028 Suktas, and 10552 Mantras. There are two Upanishads available from the Rigveda: 1. Aitareya and 2. Kaushitaki
Yajurveda: The Yajurveda is a collection of mantras related to yajna (sacrifice). It is called Yajurveda because it contains the mantras that are used to perform yajnas. The mantras used in yajnas are called yajus. There are two main types of Yajurveda: 1. Shukla Yajurveda and 2. Krishna Yajurveda. There are 15 Shakas (branches) of Shukla Yajurveda and 85 Shakas of Krishna Yajurveda. There are two Upanishads available from Shukla Yajurveda: 1. Ishopanishad and 2. Taittiriya
Samaveda: Lyrical hymns are called "sama" or "saman," meaning when the hymns or mantras of the
Rigveda are sung in a special chanting style. Currently, it is called "saman or sama." The Yajurveda has two main parts: the Purvarchika and the Uttararchika. The Purvarchika has 4 kands, 6 adhyayas, and a total mantra count of 650. The Uttararchika has 21 adhyayas and a mantra count of 1225, making the total mantra count in
the Yajurveda 1875. The Yajurveda has two available Upanishads: 1. Kenopanishad and 2. Chandogya Upanishad.
Atharvaveda: Compared to the three Vedas, Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda, the Atharvaveda is modern and has many unique features. The Atharvaveda has several suktas available that teach self-knowledge. The Atharvaveda is an encyclopedia of knowledge, which fully includes Vedic civilization, culture, knowledge, and science. The Atharvaveda has 20 kands, 731 suktas, and 5987 mantras. The Atharvaveda has two available Upanishads: 1. Prashnopanishad and 2. Mundakopanishad.
Vedangas
The auxiliary texts of the Vedas, which are considered to be the limbs (i.e., parts) of the Vedas, are called Vedangas. These are the auxiliary elements that are necessary to understand the deeper and true meaning of the Vedas. They are called Vedangas. In the Panini Sutra, Acharya Panini has personified the Vedangas as the limbs of the Veda Purusha.
छन्दः पादौ तु वेदस्य हस्तौ कल्पोऽर् पठ्यते ज्योनतषामयिां चक्षुनिमरुक्तां श्रोत्रमुच्यते ।
नशक्षा घ्राणां तु वेदस्य मुखां व्याकरणां स्मृतम् तस्मात्ाांगमधीत्यैव ब्रह्मलोके महीयते ॥
The Vedangas are six auxiliary sciences that are essential for the study and interpretation of the Vedas. The Vedangas include: 1. Shiksha, 2. Vyakarana, 3. Nirukta, 4. Jyotish, 5. Chhanda and 6. Kalpa
Shiksha (Phonetics and Phonology): Shiksha is considered the "nose" of the Veda Purusha, as it is through proper pronunciation that the Vedas are brought to life. It provides detailed rules for the articulation of sounds, including vowels, consonants, and diphthongs. It also covers aspects such as intonation, stress, and sandhi (euphonic combination of sounds). Shiksha ensures that the Vedas are recited and chanted in their original form, preserving their integrity and power.
Kalpa (Rituals and Ceremonies): Kalpa is considered the "hands" of the Veda Purusha, as it guides the performance of Vedic rituals. It provides detailed instructions on the preparation of sacrificial materials, the construction of altars, the recitation of mantras, and the execution of various steps involved in rituals. Kalpa encompasses a vast body of literature, including Shrautasutras (ritual manuals), Grihasutras (domestic rituals), Dharmasutras (legal and social codes), and Shulvasutras (geometric calculations for altar construction).
Vyakarana (Grammar): Vyakarana is considered the "mouth" of the Veda Purusha, as it provides the framework for understanding the language of the Vedas. It lays down the rules of grammar, covering aspects such as word formation, sentence structure, and syntax. Vyakarana enables scholars to analyze and interpret the Vedas accurately, ensuring that their meaning and message are conveyed correctly.
Nirukta (Etymology and Lexicography): Nirukta is considered the "ears" of the Veda Purusha, as it delves into the etymology and meanings of Vedic words. It explores the origins of words, their semantic evolution, and their usage in different contexts. Nirukta provides valuable insights into the symbolism and underlying concepts embedded in Vedic language.
Chanda (Prosody): Chanda is considered the "feet" of the Veda Purusha, as it governs the rhythm and meter of Vedic poetry. It provides rules for the formation of different poetic meters, the arrangement of syllables, and the use of poetic devices such as alliteration and assonance. Chanda enhances the aesthetic appeal of Vedic hymns and contributes to their memorization and transmission.
Jyotisha (Astrology): Jyotisha is considered the "eyes" of the Veda Purusha, as it provides insights into the celestial realm and its connection with human affairs. It encompasses the study of astronomy, astrology, and divination. Jyotisha was used to determine auspicious times for rituals, predict events, and understand the influence of celestial bodies on human life.
Purana: Purana holds a highly revered position in Sanskrit literature. It is also included in the list of eighteen branches of learning (Ashtadashya Vidya). According to Yaska Acharya, Purana means "that which is ancient yet new." (Nirukta 3.19). In its general sense, Purana refers to the detailed narration of events from ancient times in the form of stories. The Chandogya Upanishad accepts Purana as the fifth Veda. The composition of Puranas is attributed to Maharshi Vyasa. There are 18 Puranas. Names of the 18 Puranas (as per Bhagavata Purana 12/7/23-24):
|
1. Brahma |
2. Padma |
3. Vishnu |
4. Shiva |
5. Linga |
6. Garuda |
|
7. Narada |
8. Bhagavata |
9. Agni |
10. Skanda |
11. Bhavishya |
12. Brahmavaivarta |
|
13. Markandeya |
14. Vamana |
15. Varaha |
16. Matsya |
17.Kurma |
18.Brahmand |
Five Characteristics of Puranas are as follows:
Cosmogony: Puranas narrate the process of creation of the universe.
Four Pralayas (Dissolutions): They describe the four types of cosmic dissolution: Naimittika (natural), Atyantika (final), Prakritika (cyclical), and Vaikarika (caused by Vishnu).
Genealogy of Kings: Puranas provide detailed accounts of the lineages of various kings and dynasties.
Fourteen Manvantaras: They elaborate on the fourteen Manvantaras, which are the periods of Manu, the progenitor of humanity.
History of Kings: Puranas recount the historical narratives of various kings and their reigns.
Nyaya: Nyaya is one of the six darshanas (philosophies) of Indian philosophy. The proponent of Nyaya darshan is Maharishi Gautama. According to Vatsyayana, the author of Nyaya Shastra, "Nyaya is the
examination of the meaning of things through pramana (means of knowledge)." (Nyaya Bhashya-1.1.1) In other words, Nyaya is the testing of the truth of things through pramana. Nyaya is divided into two parts: Prachin
Nyaya (Ancient Nyaya) and Navya Nyaya (New Nyaya). The main text of Nyaya darshan is the Nyaya Sutra, which has 5 chapters and about 500 sutras.
Mimamsa: The word Mimamsa means "reflection" or "critical investigation." To think about any subject is Mimamsa. This shastra is also called 'Vichar Shastra' (Science of Thought). There are two types of Mimamsa: Purva Mimamsa and Uttar Mimamsa. In Purva Mimamsa, the main subject of inquiry is karma (dharma), while in Uttar Mimamsa, the main subject of inquiry is Brahman. Mimamsa is an astika (theistic) philosophy, which is based entirely on the Vedas. It deals with the mimamsa (interpretation) of the karmakanda (ritual section) of the Vedas. In fact, this philosophy was developed to prove the reality of karma, i.e., the importance of yajna (sacrifice), havya (offering), bali (sacrifice), etc. Its proponent was Rishi Jaimini Mimamsa Sutra had provided a clear outline of this philosophy. This philosophy acknowledges the existence of the soul, heaven, hell, and even the Vedic gods beyond the earth. Mimamsa philosophy considers the soul as a substance that is the basis of consciousness. Due to the acceptance of the existence of many deities, Mimamsa is called polytheistic. There
Dharma: The primary objective of Indian Vedic culture is to explain dharma. Dharma is not a religion or sect, but a duty. Dharma is considered a science. Every individual, regardless of their varna or profession, has their own duties. For example, a student's duty is to study, a guru's duty is to teach, a king's duty is to rule, and so on. Similarly, there are duties for women, subjects, students, and Brahmins. Manusmriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti, Harita Smriti, and Shankha Smriti are considered Dharma Shastras.
Ayurveda: Ayurveda is a treatment method of the gods, which was given to great scholars on earth for the welfare of humans. Ashwinikumar is considered the first scholar of Ayurveda, who performed a miraculous
surgery by joining the head of a goat to the body of a child. It is said that Ashwinikumar gave this knowledge to Indra, and Indra gave it to Dhanvantari. Famous scholars of Ayurveda include Ashwinikumar, Dhanvantari,
Kashiraj Divodas, Nakul, Sahadev, Chyavan, Janak, Pail, Agastya, Sushruta, and Charak.
Dhanurveda: According to Shukraniti, Dhanurveda is a subsidiary of Samaveda. It is mentioned in the
Mahabharata as follows: "Rve: This knowledge includes archery and military science." Dhanurveda is a science that deals with the art of archery. In ancient times, this knowledge was very famous not only in India but also in countries like Persia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The major texts of Dhanurveda were taught to princes and
Kshatriya children. Famous Dhanurveda texts include Vishwamitra, Vasishtha, Jamadagni, Vaishampayana, and
Vikramaditya."
Gandharvaveda: One of the four Vedas, an auxiliary Veda of the Samaveda. Gandharvaveda encompasses Indian music education, raga, singing, melody, and musical instruments. Indian music is not just for
entertainment; it is connected to spirituality. The ultimate goal of human life is moksha (liberation), and Indian music plays a very important role in its attainment. Indian scholars have called Gandharvaveda the fifth Veda. Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra is the first treatise to expound on the fundamental principles of drama, dance, and music.
Artha Shastra: In Sanskrit, the word "Artha Shastra" is used in the sense of statecraft. It does not mean wealth in the sense of livelihood for all people, but rather the king's livelihood in the sense of means of obtaining and maintaining the benefits of the earth. Among the texts related to Artha Shastra, the most famous is 'Kautilya Artha Shastra' i.e. 'Artha Shastra' by Kautilya. The author of this treatise, Kautilya, is considered to be the extraordinary man Chanakya, who overthrew the famous Nanda dynasty of Magadha and established the Mauryan dynasty of Chandragupta Maurya in its place. Kautilya wrote this treatise not just to guide the Mauryan emperor, but as an exceptional treatise on statecraft written with the common king in mind. In some texts, Sthapatya Veda is counted in place of Artha Shastra.
Sthapatya Veda (Shilpa Veda): It is said in Sanskrit that “All the actions of a householder cannot be accomplished without a house.” Vastushastra is the ancient Indian science of building houses, palaces, buildings or temples, which can be considered the ancient form of architecture in modern science. The way the things used in our daily life are kept, even the word Vastu has been formed from the word Vastu. It is used in Hindu architecture. In South India, the foundation of Vastu is believed to be the traditional great sage, and in North India, Vishwakarma is considered the founder.
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