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.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

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.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

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.

DOWNLOAD PDF