Indian Scriptures
Purān̩as are eighteen in number. Since they are not relevant philosophically,
it is not even necessary to list them. In addition to five components mentioned
earlier, many Purān̩as deal with cosmology. Perhaps this is the only topic
common to philosophy and Purān̩as. Interestingly, one Purān̩a, viz., Vāyu-
Purān̩a attempts at geography, music, etc. Apart from the neglect of evidence,
Purān̩as suffer from one more defect. All Purān̩as combine legends related
to gods and demons, life after death, etc. which disqualify mythology from
becoming worthy of serious philosophical study. In defence of Purān̩as, it
can be said that though Purān̩as are related to mainly theological issues, they
include almost all activities of life and hence they ought to occupy an important
position in the list of disciplines. But this all inclusiveness itself is a serious
defect.
Check Your Progress I
Note: a) Use the space provided for your answer
b) Check your answers with those provided at the end of the unit
1. Discuss briefly the rigidity of Smr̩ ti.
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2. Explain briefly the subject-matter of Purān̩a.
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2.4 VEDĀṄGAS
Vedāṅgas are also known as s̩ adāṅgas, which means six organs. The function
of these six organs is to explicate the intricate thoughts of the Vedas. Those
organs are Śiks̩ ā (phonetics), vyākaran̩a (grammar; to be more specific, Vedic
grammar), chandas (prosody), nirukta (etymology and dictionary), jyotis̩ a
(astronomy) and kalpa (rituals).
It was believed that proper understanding of the Vedic texts is possible only
when all these organs are strictly followed. Two extraordinary characteristics
of the Vedas form the background of these organs. In the first place, the Vedas
were held to be apaurus̩ eya (independent of man). Therefore, no change in
any form for any reason was admissible. Secondly, it was also believed that
the Vedas should be taught and learnt only orally. Consequently, it took several
centuries for Indians to put the Vedas in writing. Without going into the merits
and demerits of this particular prescription, we should examine the role played
by Vedāṅga in protecting the Vedic tradition. 31
