Important Vedic Texts: Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, Vedanta, and Vedanga

April 24, 2024 1557 0

In addition to the Vedas, several other important Vedic Texts emerged during the Vedic period, including the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads, each contributing to the religious, philosophical, and cultural milieu of ancient India.

Depths of Vedic Literature: From Brahmanas to Vedanta

Brahmanas

  • They describe the rules for the performance of sacrificial ceremonies and explain the hymns of the Vedas in an orthodox manner. 
  • Each Veda has several Brahmanas attached to it. 
  • The most important and exhaustive Brahmana is the Satapatha Brahmana (attached to the Yajur Veda).

Aranyakas

  • They are called the ‘forest books’ as they were written mainly by hermits living in the forests for their pupils. They deal with mysticism and philosophy and oppose sacrifice
  • They were composed during the later Vedic period.
  • They emphasise meditation and philosophically interpret rituals.

Upanishads

  • The literal meaning of ‘Upanishad’ is ‘to sit near someone’. They are records of philosophical dialogues and discourses between teachers (Gurus) and students (Shishyas).  
  • There are 108 Upanishads, of which 13 are the most prominent.
    • Mandukyopanishad, the largest of all Upanishads, mentioned “Satyamev Jayate ”. [UPSC 2014]
    • Chhandogya Upanishad – Refers to the first three ashrams.

Dara Shukoh, the Mughal prince, translated the Upanishads into Persian in 1657, much before the colonial scholars developed any interest in ancient Indian literature.

  • Jabala Upanishad mentions a 4-fold ashram (stages) for 4 Purusharthas (goals). It was not applicable to women or Shudras.
  • Brahmacharya (Celibate Student) for knowledge, i.e. Dharma.
  • Grihastha (Householder) for wealth and progeny, i.e. ‘Artha’ and ‘Kama’.
  • Vanaprastha (hermit in retreat) for spiritual wisdom.
  • Sanyasa (Renunciation) for liberation i.e. Mukti/Moksha.
Vedanta

  • These are the philosophical and spiritual traditions that evolved from the Upanishads, the concluding part of the Vedas, which signifies the final objective of the Vedas.
  • It criticises sacrifices and rituals, representing the concluding phase of the Vedic era.

Vedanga

  • They translate to ‘limbs of the Vedas,’ serving as supplementary Vedic Texts to aid in proper recitation and comprehension of the Vedas.
  • They are not classified as Shruti since they are considered to be of human origin, not revealed by Gods, and are in the form of Sutra or condensed statements conveying various ideas.
  • These are 6 in number:
    • Siksha: Pronunciation of the words; education.
    • Nirukta: Origin of the words.
    • Chhanda: Metrics used in Sanskrit verses.
    • Jyotish: Astrology
    • Vyakaran: Sanskrit grammar.
    • Kalpa: Knowledge of rituals (Dharma sutras).

 

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Terms used in Vedic period

TERM MEANING TERM MEANING TERM MEANING
Govikartana Forest chief Vap To sow Madhyamasi  Mediator in Disputes
Gavyuti Measure of distance Gojit Winner of cows/Hero Soma/Sura Intoxicating drink
Duhitri Daughter (one who milks cow) Srini Sickle Sthapati  Chief Judge
Godhuli  Measure of time (Dusk)  Sabhavati  Women who attended the assembly Nishka Gold or silver ornament
Takshan Carpenter Spasa  Spy Ghrita Butter
Gana Troops Dhanya Cereals Gavisthi Search/War for cows
Varthaka Business People Akshvapa  Accountant Kshata  Keeper of the King’s household
Gauri Buffalo Panis Traders or caravan trader Niyoga Special type of widow-remarriage
Gaun Places where cattle are kept Suta  Charioteer Goghna Guest/one who is fed on cattle
Jivagribha and Ugra Police Officers Bhagadugha Tax Collector Palagala  Messenger

 

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Conclusion

  • These diverse Vedic Texts beyond the Vedas enriched Vedic civilization with profound philosophical inquiries, intricate ritual practices, and spiritual teachings, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence Indian thought and culture.
Related Articles 
Harshavardhana: Empire of Harsha, History Vedic Period: History Notes
Sangam Age – Political History of South India Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE)
Jainism and Buddhism Post Mauryan Period (200 BC – 300 AD)

 

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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