Ancient India and its literature
India was a glory till onset of 16th century.
This is the time Muslims raided India. India at this time was confederation of
loose states hence became easy prey of invasion.
Present India is not past India. We should not use today’s
norms as a way of analyzing ancient India. Can we apply today’s norms to decode
past of West? West today is due to courtesies of some scientists whose
scientific exploits have given west a materialistic superiority .Till on set of
scientific revolution, west was a barbaric society with no culture of its own.
When material prosperity came, Western writers started digging their past to
make us believe that they are runners of past Greek civilization. All western
writers tried to claim to get inspiration from Greek philosophy. Then they went
on to say that Indians got inspiration through Greece to develop their own
philosophies. This they say despite their being enough evidence that Indian
philosophies had taken definite shape around 800BC—1000BC. Whole idea being to
tell us we are second raters.
It is extremely difficult to decipher India’s past due to
many things. Firstly, we have to dig too much in past about which we which have
scanty literature available today. Most of the literature of ancient India is
either lost with time or was deliberately destroyed by foreigners. Ancient
Indians knew value of history but they had less means to protect their monograms.
Secondly, they were inclusive. They kept whatever they knew a closely guarded secret.
Little they realized that their way of transmission of secrets orally will be
lost to future generations. Writing of literature started very late [500BC—1000BC],
BY this time most of its glory was already lost. Hence the literature which
came up was a mix up where facts were woven with author’s dispensation. Later
writers could not decipher facts from authors views [myth] hence took them both
facts the result was an utter confusion for future writers. Future writers
mixed fact with myths in such a way that they became inseparable later. It
needs a real scholar, scientist and philosopher to go deeper in to this
literature to get to real essence out of this confusing literature. It is this
confusion in literature which has been exploited by western writers and they
started telling no worthy Civilization existed in India in ancient times. They
were joined in this by a handful of Indians who wanted cheap fame and easy
buck. These Indians had no deep knowledge about Sanskrit what to speak of
literature about which they were writing.
It is as late as1930 when Sir Marshall saw Indus relics in
MOHENJODARO and Harappa that Indian civilization had a quantum jump from a few
hundred BC to3000BC.Then came many other scholars both Indian and foreign who
came to conclusion that India had a mighty civilization in past.Max Muller
after compiling Vedas wrote, “if you ask me which country reached its glory
first, I will point to India”. With satellite imaging, new excavations and other
finds one becomes reasonably certain that India had a distinct culture of its
own in past. Continued religious practices in present India give added credence
to India’s glorious past. Aryans migrated to India in 1400BC is a subject for
serious debate. Evidence is accumulating day by day that Aryans were Indians
who migrated to Iran and west from India. If Indus seals when deciphered show
Sanskrit as its language, then whole thesis of Aryan migration goes to dust
bin.There are some writers [Dr Macaulay] already telling that Indus civilization
is post VEDIC.Indologists who invented Aryan invasion theory postulated that Rig-Veda
was written in250BC but later fixed its date around 3000BC.
It is clear that India had a culture long before other
civilizations came on earth. How this Vedic age ended is a matter for great debate.
It is Vayu Purana which writes about ancient history of Bharata [India] Suta
wrote puranas. Puranas in present recension have been compiled very late [Gupta
period] and they write of events which are not contemporary. Pargiter believes
oldest Puranas were written at the time of Vedic texts. Traditional history has
its value and has historicity if not in totality. It is possible that old faith
and its philosophy was chiefly a way of life and an outlook on the world but
slowly a rigid religion developed with all its rituals and ceremonies which we
now call Hinduism. Professor Winternitz thinks that beginning of Vedic
literature goes back to 2000BC----2500BC. Many believe Rig-Veda was written
around 1500BC. Looking at scriptures which is a product of human mind we have
to remember the age in which they were written and the vast distance in time
and thought which separates it from us. Professor MacDonnell says importance of
Indian literature lies in its originality.
Individualism of India Aryan in long run proved both good
and evil. It lead to production of superior type of philosophy, gave ethical
back ground to its culture, tolerance lead to its survival despite onslaughts.
But this individualistic policy lead to detachment from social life in due
course. Rigidity in caste factor lead to
loss in creativity and decline of race. A mix of free thought and orthodoxy
lived side by side. An appeal was always made to ancient authorities but little
attempt was made to interpret their truth. Net result was decline of India.
PLOTINUS studied Iranian and Indian philosophy and was
especially influenced by the mystic elements in Upanishads From Plotinus many
of these ideas are said to have gone to St Augustine and through him influenced
the Christianity of the day. Max Muller and Schopenhauer and others have sung
praises of Upanishads in which human speculation seems to have reached its very
Acme.
Indian culture cannot be well understood if mythology is totally
ignored like Greek civilization minus Greek gods becomes unintelligible.
Mythology added cover to the fruit it has preserved till today. It also held
variegated society divided in many ways in harmony and giving them common
background of traditions and ethical life. Mythology is seen in every religion
and nationalism everywhere has clouded the underlying truth.
Ancient India started with amalgamation of Aryan, Dravidian
and some aboriginals. Stress was laid on life and to make it comfortable had
become goal. Concept of God and metaphysics are late developments. Manu gave
law to country. What the Indians were like is difficult to conceive but a vague
picture can be made out. They were lighthearted race, confident and proud of
their traditions, dabbling in search for the mysterious, full of questions
addressed to nature and human life, attaching importance to the standards and
values they had created, but taking life easily and joyously. Such was then
ancient India where search for truth gave it vitality, mythology gave it
mobility which carried it till today. It may be mentioned here that Idol
worship is not Vedic. It was introduced in India in post buddhic period because
Buddhist followers worshiped his image. Staunch Hindu’s made images [Idols] to
make masses understand invisible which was criticized by Lord Buddha. Caste, an
Aryan creation had total different meaning then. Vedic teaching strongly believes
in KARMA [you are recognized by your work and not by birth]. Caste system was
manipulated by Brahmins to cover up their weaknesses and to dominate society.
There are innumerable examples of Shuduras becoming BRAHAMINAS in Vedic age.
Ultimately this Brahaminic greed for power and rigidity of caste system lead to
fall of INDIA.
On studying astronomy, Geneology, inscriptions,
Archeological finds and continued traditions coupled with satellite imagery one
can surmise dates with reasonable confidence. Submerged Dwarka has been found
in Gujarat, being dated 1500BC. Historian BB LAL has given 5700BC----1400BC as
time period of Lord Krishna. Professor Achar of Memphis University after
studying planetary positions in Srimad Bhagwat dates Mahabharata war around
3067BC. Sanderson Beck in his book “Literature of India” says RAMAYANA and
MAHABARATA could have occurred around 12000BC---10000BC. Tilak dates Vedic
civilization between4000-----8000 years old. Some important accepted dates are
as follows:--
1.Manu Vivastava------3102BC
2.Lord Rama----------2350BC----1950BC.
3. Lord Krishna------1950BC---1400BC.
4. Dasraja war------1900BC.
5. Mahabarata war-----1400BC.
Flood story written in Satapatha Brahmana talks of fore
warning Manu about floods and asking him to make ship to save mankind. This
story is a kin to story of NOAH of Mesopotamia who was warned of floods in 3100BC.
-Vedic Literature:---
ANCIENT Indian literature is broadly in two forms—Shruti [what
is heard] and Smriti [what is remembered].
Vedas and Upanishads come under Shruti category and
Ramayana, Mahabharata, Manu smriti etc. come under Smriti category. Shruti
literature is veritable and inviolable but Smriti literature may get modified
under influence of time and place. Not a single work of Vedic period can be
accurately dated. On linguistic grounds Rigveda can be put1000BC but its older
parts are much more ancient. Vedas constitute sublime knowledge revealed to
Rishi’s while doing penance. Vedas are eternal. They acquired verbal form
during certain period in history. They are timeless in the sense that they are
beyond the confines of time. Vedas contain divine knowledge. Vedas are earliest
documents of human mind. Vedas encompass the human life and they do not belong
to any race or country. Vedas reflect all aspects of existence. They throw
light on Creation, Atman and all related issues of spiritualism. Vedas contain
mantras which have different specific purposes. Word Veda originates from word
Vid----to know. Ved Vyasa categorized all mantras and compiled them in 4 parts:--Rig-Veda,
Yajurveda, Samveda and Atherveda.Mantras are in the form of metered verses. Vedas
acquired written form very late. Vedas have 4 parts:-- Samhitas, Brahmanas,
Aranyakas and Upanishads. Samhitas andBrahmanas constitute rites and rituals
while Aranyakas and Upanishads form Gyan khanda. Brahamanas hint at magical
power of sacrificial rituals. Samhitas are hymns concerned with nature and dieties.In
Aranyakas spiritual interpretation of rituals and ceremonies is evident.
Upanishads are concluding part of Vedas. Upanishads are in the form of
dialogue, contain sublime knowledge that deals with the topic at great depth.
There is no Idolatry in them which is post Buddhic. The early Aryans were full of
zest for life. Gradually concept of God grows: there are Olympian type of Gods
and then slowly monotheism comes. By the time we reach the end of Vedas, the
Vedanta, we have the philosophy of Upanishads.
Rigveda:--Of
various texts we have Sakala recension contains 1017 hymns. It has some
nonsakala hymns also. Rig-Veda is hymns having ritualistic value it is oldest,
has10552 mantras There. has been
emphasis on truth. Dogmas were meant for lesser mind The Rig-Veda , one of
the VEDAS, is probably the earliest
book that humanity possesses. In it we
find the first out pouring of the human mind, the glow of poetry, the rapture
at nature, loveliness and mystery including metaphysics.
Samveda:--It
is a musical melody, in praise of God having 1603 verses. Some of these verses
can be seen in Rig-Veda also.
Yajurveda:--
A ritual Veda, 6 recensions are
available
Atherveda:---Its
two recensions are available It is a prayer book of folk haunted by ghosts,
exploited by Brahmans. It has 20 kandas. It is latest of 4 Vedas. It deals with
medicine and magical formulas also.
UPANISHADS:--
There are 108 Upanishads, of which 10 are considered
exquisite. Katha, Chandogya, Isha are worth mentioning here. They are dated 800BC—700BC. Darashikoh
translated it into Persian [1656—57], in Latin by Duper on[1800AD], English
1853AD, by Max Muller[1879AD—84]. Books are product of man’s contemplation and
God’s revelation. Their truth is not verified by reason but by personal
experience. They come out at end of Vedas and have two
portions;-Karmakanda[Samhita and Brahmans] and Janakhanda. Brahmsutra is an
aphoristic summary of teachings of Upanishads. They are laconic in form and
hardly intelligible without interpretation. ALL systems of orthodox Indian
thought accept authoritativeness of Vedas but give themselves freedom in their
interpretation.
The Upanishads are instinct with a spirit of inquiry, of
mental adventure, of a passion for finding out the Truth. No dogma is allowed
to come in way .There is much that is trivial without meaning for today. The
emphasis is on self-realization, on knowledge of the individual self and
absolute self, both of which are said to be same in essence. The objective
external world is not considered unreal There is much that is trivial without
meaning for today. The emphasis is on self-realization, on knowledge of the
individual self and absolute self, both of which are said to be same in
essence. The objective external world is not considered unreal but real in a
relative sense, an aspect for the inner reality. There are many ambiguities and
different interpretations but general tendency is towards Monism. Interest in
magic is discouraged. There is continuous attempt to harmonize social activity
with spiritual adventure. The duties and obligations imposed by life were to be
carried out, but in a spirit of detachment. . The individual Soul, is like a spark
thrown out and reabsorbed by the blazing fire of the absolute Soul. This
ideology of Upanishads did not permeate in marked extent in the masses which in
course of time lead to new movements -------Materialistic philosophy, Agnostics,
Atheism etc.
Upanishads in brief tell us that BRAHMAN IS ONLY REAL WHO IS
nirguna. This real is not pale abstraction but is quickening alive, of powerful
vitality. This unmanifest gets manifested through MAHAT. Manifested comes out
of egg [symbolic seed]. Abode of this manifest is called “hiranyagarba]”. World
is not result of meaningless chance. THERE IS A PURPOSE WORKING ITSELF OUT
THROUGH AGES. Matter cannot raise
itself, it moves to higher level by the help of the higher itself. It cannot undergo
inner development without being acted upon by something above it. Brahman, the
first principle of universe is known through ATMAN, the inner self of man.
While Vedas and Upanishads were being interpreted by
different commentator’s six schools of philosophical thoughts emerged. These
six schools of philosophy are as follows::--
1.Nyaya:
This method is analytic and logical. It was presumed that
there is a rhythm and unity in life and nature.
There was belief in Personal God, in individual soul and an atomic
Universe. Individual was product of soul and body. Reality was supposed to be a
complex of souls and nature.
2. Vaishesika:__
It resembles Nayaya
in many ways. It emphasizes the separateness of individual souls and objects
and develops the atomic theory of the Universe. Moral law is said to govern
Universe. The hypothesis of God is not clearly admitted.
3 .Samkhya:-
Saint Kapila in 700BC advocated this philosophy. This theory
is purely philosophical, no objective observation. Its approach was atheistic, no creation of Universe by God
but it is a process of evolution [interaction of spirit with matter]. The
Samkhya is dualistic, because it builds its structure on two primary causes: Prakriti
[changing energy] and Purusha [unchanging spirit]. There are infinite number of
Purushas. Under influence of Purusha, Prakriti evolves and leads to world of
continuous becoming. Causality is accepted but it is said that effect really
exists hidden in the cause. Cause and effect become the undeveloped and developed
state of one and the same thing. The Purusha of Samkhya is not the doer but the
witness. This Purusha is soul of Samkhya.
BOTH THE Vedanta and Samkhya believe in the infinite soul,
only Samkhya believes in many souls, Vedanta believes in one Soul only.
Vedantist affirm that this soul and this nature are one but samkhya makes them
two distinct entities.
4.Yoga:--
This system was
advocated by Patanjali.. This is essentially a method for the discipline of the
body and the mind leading up to psychic and spiritual training. The word yoga
means union. It is an experimental system and can be used by any system of
philosophy, whatever its theoretical approach may be. Belief in God is no
integral part of the system, but it is suggested that such belief in a personal
God and devotion to him helps in concentrating the mind and thus serves a
practical purpose. The body should be fit
and healthy, hard and strong, supple and graceful for doing yoga. Various asnas
are described to make body fit. There is ethical preparation for yoga i,e
avoidance of malice, hatred, nonviolence, truthfulness etc. All this is
supposed to lead to control of the senses, then comes contemplation and
meditation and finally intense concentration which should lead to various kinds
of intuitions.
Swami Vivekananda has been great advocate of Yoga and
Vedanta. According to yoga, the spirit is not limited to the intelligence and
also thought is action and only action can make thought of any value. In the
study of this Raja yoga no faith or belief is necessary. Believe nothing until
you find it out yourself is its motto.
5. Mimamsa:--
This is ritualistic and tends towards polytheism. Modern
popular Hinduism as well as Hindu law
have been largely influenced by this system and its rules which lay down the
Dharma , the scheme of right living are conceived by it.Devas mentioned in this
polytheism are supposed to be inferior to human creation.
6. Vedanta:--
Sixth and last develops from Upanishads and takes many
forms. THE Purusha and Prakriti of Samkhya are not considered two but
modifications of a single reality—the Absolute. Broadly Vedanta has three
philosophies: 1. Dualistic
2. Qualified nondualistic
3. Monistic [Advaita].
This Advaita is commonly accepted philosophy today. Adi
Shankaracharaya not only revived it but also revised it. It states the only
ultimate reality is absolute [ATMAN] . That is the subject, all else is
objective. The Upanishads had described this ATMAN:---“whole is that, whole[too]
is this, from whole,wholecometh,take whole from whole, yet whole remains”.
Shankara builds Advaita step by step, by logical argument, from certain
assumptions. The individual soul is not a separate entity but absolute soul
itself though limited in some ways. Freedom consists in realizing this Unity,
this oneness of the individual with absolute Soul.
This phenomenal world we see thus becomes a mere reflection
of the reality or a shadow cast by it on the empirical plane. It has been
called MAYA’, but it is not nonexistent. It is an intermediate form between
being and nonbeing. It is a kind of relative existence. Shankara accepted the
Brahminical organization of social life but also held that any person belonging
to any caste could attain highest knowledge.
Ancient India’s literature under the category of smiriti is
not only voluminous but diverse too. It encompasses laws of land [Manu
smiriti], History [VAYU PURANA], SCIENCE AND COSMOLOGY [Bhagwat Purana, and two
great epics [Ramayana and Mahabharata].
RAMAYANA:--
This great epic is written by saint Valmiki [shudraR by
caste]. In its present form has 24000 slokas and is made of seven books. It is
epic revolving around life of lord RAMA and Sita, both incarnations of Bhagwan
Vishnu and his consort. Epic also gives us glimpse of life style of those days,
social order and duties of common man and KING towards his subjects. It also
tells us superiority of spiritualism vis-à-vis materialism.Reverance shown to
Valmiki Ramayana gives rebuttal to those who believe in cast by birth.
Mahabharata:--
This voluminous epic is written by Ved Vyasa. It has 100
thousand verses. It is a war story for over lordship of Bharata [India]. In
Harivansh parva we are told about Lord Vishnu and his generology. In Vishnu
parva it talks about Lord Krishna, in Bavisha parva it deals with
propheses.There is in the Mahabharata the polytheism of the Vedas, monism of
Upanishads. Bhagwat Gita in MAHABARATA stresses dharma, morality.
Bhagwat Gita:---
It is part of Mahabharata yet stands apart and complete in
itself. It contains 700 verses, written in prebuddhic period. Its author is Ved
Vyas only. It is a poem of crisis, of political and social crisis and even so
of crisis in the spirit of man.The holy Gita essentially deals with the
spiritual background of human existence. It is a call to act, to meet
obligations and duties of life but always keeping in view that spiritual
background and the larger purpose of the Universe. Inaction is condemned. The
yugadharma, the ideal of the particular age has always to be kept in mind. It
deals in depth about CREATOR and Created. It also discusses human nature and
how to achieve liberation from life/death misery.
The message of Gita is not sectarian. It is universal in
approach for everyone. It is only irony of fate that theory of action was
misinterpreted as inaction as it taught detachment [from results] which
ultimately started fall of India.
Conclusion:--
It is quite clear that India had a mighty civilization long
before other civilizations were borne on this earth. Other civilizations
believed in too much of present that they have become past unlike Indian
civilization which believed in future. Search for truth in ancient India gave
it vitality and mythology gave it mobility which carried it till today. Many
other monograms of ancient India are available on diverse topics which have not
been cited in this write-up. Kannada who lived around 600BC was first to tell
that Atom is indestructible. He also gave theory of gravity [GURUTVA] long
before Isaac Newton. Saint Bhardawaja [800BC] NOT ONLY AUTHORED Atherveda but
also wrote on Aviation science, flying machines. In Srimad Bhagwat puran we are
told of multiple universes. It also talks of elementary time, great time space
travel, Cosmology, concepts not more than 100 year old in modern science.
How did this civilization ended is a million dollar question?
Did it end by a war, natural calamity or something else--------- a case like Dinosaur extinction?
It is an irony that present day Indians instead of doing
research on the topic look to west for certification. West till late denied
that India had such advanced civilization in past, but lately west has started
acknowledging this civilization with some conditions. When NASA showed us
photos of RAM SETU, abridge of Ramayana period we Indians put in sworn
affidavit in Supreme Court of India about its nonexistence. What a tragedy?
People around globe dig their past to find their roots but we in India are in a
denial mode about our past.
When will we Indians come out of our complex and go out to search
the truth?
In science today we are told that,” there was a big Bang and
this universe came into existence. Singularity which expanded and is expanding
holds time and space in it”. Lord Krishna in holy Gita says,” This whole
universe, time and space are in me, I am
not in them”. My question to
intellectuals of India and elsewhere is, kindly find contradictions in
scientific and Vedantic assertions.
