Ancient Sanskrit Literature
Contents: Introduction. I. The Sutra period: 1. Ruti and Smrti. 2. Brahmanas and Sutras. 3. The authority of revelation attacked. 4. Brahmanism versus Buddhism. 5. Revelation of the Buddhists. 6. Character of the Smrti. 7. Sutras excluded from the Sruti. 8. Srauta and Smarta-sutras. 9. Lost Sakha. 10. Lost Brahmanas. 11. The six Vedangas. 12. Siksa, or phonetics: i. Pratisakhyas. ii. Chandas, or Metre. iii. Vyakarana, or grammar. iv. Nirukta, or Etymology. v. History of Grammarhistory of grammar. vi. Kalpa, or the ceremonial. A. Yajurveda: a. Old, or dark text. b. New, or bright text. B. Sama-Veda. C. Rg-Veda. D. Atharva-Veda. vii. Smarta-sutras. viii. Sutra literature in general. ix. The Anukramnis. x. Parisistas. xi. The Arnyakas. II. The Brahmana period: 1. The Brahmanas: i. The Bhrgus. ii. a. The Gotamas. b. The Bharadvajas. iii. The Atris. iv. The Visvamitras. v. The Vasisthas. 2. An episode from Kausitaki-Brahmana. 3. An episode from Satapatha-Brahmana. 4. Origin of the Brahmanas. 5. Date of the Brahmanas. 6. Brahmanic teachers. III. The Mantra Period. IV. The Chhandas period. Appendix: The story of Sunahsepa. Index.
"This book is like an ocean on Sanskrit literature. It starts from origin and progress of Sanskrit philosophy and includes object of Sanskrit Philosophy, Veda as the basis of Sanskrit literature, Veda representing the Vedic Age, antiquity of the Veda.
The book also touches the subject of Aryans, comparison between early history of India and Greece. The meaning of Atman is elucidated, dialogue between Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi also given.
The division of Vedic age and the Chhandas, Mantra, Brahmana and Sutra periods have also been discussed. So many things relating to Sanskrit literature have been discussed under these periods, such as Aranyakas, Upanisads, Samhitas, Brahmanas, Hymns, Sacrifices, Priests, etc.
By and large, this book is an authority on ancient Sanskrit literature. And, the contents, presentation and language of the book make this a-must to read and the reader will surely find it immensely useful." (jacket)
