All About Sanskrit Literature

Introduction

Sanskrit literature, spanning millennia, represents the pinnacle of India’s intellectual and cultural achievements. Rooted in the ancient Vedic tradition, it encompasses a diverse range of texts, from philosophical treatises to epic narratives, showcasing the profound wisdom and literary brilliance of ancient scholars.

Vedic Literature: An Overview

• Vedas: There are four Vedas.
  • Rig Veda: It is the oldest of the Vedas, it consists of hymns dedicated to various deities and natural forces.
  • Sama Veda: Primarily focused on songs and melodies practiced during religious rituals and sacrifices.
  • Yajur Veda: Deals with rituals and sacrifices.
  • Atharva Veda: Contains many spells, incantations, and charms for addressing various aspects of daily life, including healing and protection.

Classical Sanskrit Literature

• Purana: Puranas were written to illustrate and expound the truth of the Vedas. 
  • There are 18 main Puranas whose names were discovered after the third century AD. 
  • The popularity of these Mahapuranas gave rise to another sub-genre, Upapuranas, or minor Puranas.
• Mahakavya: They refer to epic poems typically narrating heroic tales and are often drawn from mythology or historical events. 
  • Example: Ramleela and Mahabharata.

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Sanskrit Drama: From Epic Tales to Historical Chronicles

• Rajatarangani is a vivid account of the kings of Kashmir, composed by Kalhana in the mid-12th century.
  • The text mentions the Karkota, Varman and Yashaskaram Dynasty.
• Kathasaritsagara (Somadeva, 11th century AD), also known as the “Ocean of the Streams of Stories“. 
  • The book showcases the tragic history of Kashmir during that period. 

• Shudraka (5th Century AD): He composed Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart), Vinavasavadatta, and a Bhana (a short one-act monologue).

• Bhasa (2nd – 3rd century AD): He wrote 13 plays that were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century. 
  • The most popular is Swapnavasavadatta, showing romantic narratives about Kaushambi king Udayana and Vasavadatta (Avanti Princess).
  • Urubhanga, written by Bhasa,  is the story of Duryodhana during and after his fight with Bhima.
• Uttara–Ramacharitam : It was a seven-act Sanskrit play written by Bhavabhuti. 
• • It depicts the later life of Lord Rama after Rama’s return from exile.
• Mudrarakshasa:  Sanskrit play written by Vishakhadatta (4th century AD) that narrates the ascent of the king Chandragupta Maurya to power with the aid of Chanakya.
• DeviChandraguptam: It is a political drama composed by Vishakhadatta. 
  • The play revolves around King Ramagupta’s decision to surrender his queen, Dhruvadevi, to an encroaching Shaka enemy during a siege.

Harsha’s Work: An Overview

• Gita Govinda (12th century) It was composed by Jayadeva and describes the love between Krishna and Radha.
• Didactic fables like Panchatantra by Vishnu Sharma and Hitopadesha by Narayan Pandit are part of classical Sanskrit literature that offer practical wisdom and advice.

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Conclusion

• Sanskrit literature stands as a timeless testament to the intellectual, spiritual, and artistic prowess of ancient India. 
  • The profound insights, poetic beauty, and moral teachings of Sanskrit Literature continue to inspire and enrich humanity, transcending the boundaries of time and space.