Consider the following statements about Aranyakas: 1. They are the co...
- Aranyakas are generally the concluding portions of the several Brahmanas, but on account of their distinct character, contents and language deserve to be reckoned as a distinct category of literature.
- They are partly included in the Brahmanas themselves, but partly they are recognised as independent works.
- Aranyaka literature is rather small as compared to the Brahmanas. Whereas the Brahmanas deal with the huge bulk of sacrificial paraphernalia which represents Karma-Kanda, the Aranyakas and Upanishads, on the other hand, chiefly deal with the philosophical and theosophical speculations which represent Jnana-Kanda.
- The term Aranyaka is derived from the word 'Aranya' meaning 'forests'. The Aranyaka texts are so-called because 'they were works to be read in the forests' in contradiction to the regular Brahmanas, which were to be read in the village.
- This is because Yajna and other rituals are prescribed only for those who live in homes and lead householders' lives. But it has to be understood that Vedic rituals are intended to confer material benefits and mental purity by constant discipline. Having obtained purity, one must seek the solitude of forests for further concentration and meditation.
- Aranyakas contain explanations of the rituals and allegorical speculations meant for Vanprasthas, who renounce family life residing in the forests for tapas and other religious activities.
- Aranyakas have been written for Rigveda, Samaveda, Shukla Yajurveda and Krishna Yajurveda only.
Consider the following statements about Aranyakas: 1. They are the co...
Aranyakas
Introduction:
Aranyakas are a collection of ancient Indian texts that belong to the Vedic period. They are considered to be the concluding portions of the Brahmanas, which are themselves a part of the Vedic literature. Aranyakas are associated with the forest-dwelling hermitage and are considered to be the link between the ritualistic Brahmanas and the speculative Upanishads.
Statements:
1. They are the concluding portions of the several Brahmanas.
2. They mainly deal with sacrificial techniques and Karma-Kandas.
3. These were works to be read in the villages instead of 'Brahmanas' text that must be read in the forests.
4. There is no Aranyaka which belongs to the Atharvaveda.
Explanation:
Let's analyze each statement and determine its correctness.
1. They are the concluding portions of the several Brahmanas.
- This statement is correct. Aranyakas are considered to be the concluding portions of the Brahmanas. Brahmanas are prose texts that provide explanations and interpretations of the Vedic rituals. Aranyakas, being the concluding portions, focus more on philosophical and spiritual aspects.
2. They mainly deal with sacrificial techniques and Karma-Kandas.
- This statement is incorrect. Aranyakas do not primarily focus on sacrificial techniques and Karma-Kandas. Instead, they delve into more philosophical and speculative topics. They contain discussions on meditation, symbolism, and spiritual interpretation of rituals.
3. These were works to be read in the villages instead of 'Brahmanas' text that must be read in the forests.
- This statement is incorrect. The distinction between the Aranyakas and the Brahmanas lies in their intended audience and location of study. The Brahmanas are meant to be studied in settled communities, while the Aranyakas are intended for forest-dwelling hermits. Therefore, the 'Brahmanas' text is associated with the villages, not the Aranyakas.
4. There is no Aranyaka which belongs to the Atharvaveda.
- This statement is correct. Unlike the other three Vedas (Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda), which have Aranyakas associated with them, the Atharvaveda does not have any Aranyaka. The Atharvaveda primarily consists of hymns and spells.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, statements 1 and 4 are correct, while statements 2 and 3 are incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is option A) 1 and 4 only.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.