Which of the following are known as Brahmanas?a)The original texts of ...
The Brahmanas, it is well known, form our chief, if not our only, source of information regarding one of the most important periods in the social and mental development of India.
They represent the intellectual activity of a sacerdotal caste which, by turning to account the religious instincts of a gifted and naturally devout race, had succeeded in transforming a primitive worship of the powers of nature into a highly artificial system of sacrificial ceremonies, and was ever intent on deepening and extending its hold on the minds of the people, by surrounding its own vocation with the halo of sanctity and divine inspiration.
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Which of the following are known as Brahmanas?a)The original texts of ...
The Brahmanas
The correct answer is option 'b' - Explanatory prose manuals relating to prayer and sacrificial ceremony.
The Brahmanas are a collection of ancient Indian texts that are considered to be an integral part of the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. They are written in prose and provide detailed explanations and instructions for rituals, prayers, and sacrificial ceremonies. The Brahmanas serve as a guide for the correct performance of religious rituals and provide insights into the philosophical and metaphysical aspects of Vedic religion.
Explanation of the options:
a) The original texts of the Vedas: The Vedas are the oldest texts of Hinduism and consist of four collections - Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. The Vedas themselves are not known as Brahmanas.
b) Explanatory prose manuals relating to prayer and sacrificial ceremony: This option correctly identifies the Brahmanas. The Brahmanas provide detailed explanations and instructions for rituals, prayers, and sacrificial ceremonies.
c) Commentaries appended to the Aranyakas dealing with philosophical questions: The Aranyakas are a group of texts that are considered to be a part of the Brahmana literature. They are associated with forest-dwelling hermits and contain philosophical and mystical teachings. However, the Aranyakas themselves are not known as Brahmanas.
d) Books dealing with worship and contemplation meant for wood-dwelling hermits: This option refers to the Aranyakas, not the Brahmanas. The Aranyakas are associated with forest-dwelling hermits and provide guidance on worship, contemplation, and philosophical questions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Brahmanas are known as explanatory prose manuals relating to prayer and sacrificial ceremony. They provide detailed instructions for rituals and ceremonies and are an important part of the Vedic literature.
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