Subjects studied in the Sūtra Period

In Sūtra period the subjects of study were comparatively large than the other periods. During the age all the subjects were expanded. Because the Sūtra age was close to Buddhist period. In Buddhist period there were gradual developments of new subjects of study. These subjects were much easier than those of the Sūtra period. They developed a new system of easy devotion. The vast majority of people liked this easy devotion system. They also attracted the people, who were trying hard to gain the knowledge of Vedas but they were unable to get this. So people were attracted in Buddhism for easy devotion. For this reason, there began a conflict between the two education systems. That is why, for defence, the Sūtrakāras developed easier method of instruction for the people. To acquaint the reader, the variety of subjects came in to existence. First the Śrauta Sūtras developed. These Śrauta Sūtras may be regarded as the continuation of the Brāhmaṇas especially in their ritualistic and formal aspects. Secondly Gṛhya Sūtras, mainly deal with the ceremonies applicable to domestic life of man and his family from birth to death. Thirdly the Dharmasūtras, deal with the customs of our daily social life. And the Śulvasūtras, acquaint us the measurement required for the construction of the Vedi (Altar). This was also to be regarded as the earliest mathematical literature of India. These were the new invented subjects of Sūtra Period^[1].

Besides this, the traditional subjects like Vedas, Brāhmaṇas, Rahasyavidyā (the transcendental knowledge of Upaniṣads and Āraṇyakas), Itihāsa, Purāṇa were the indispensible part of education during the age. Manu^[2] mentioned that a twice born Brāhmaṇa had to master in all the Vedas with their Rahasyas. During the age the Vedas were the most important part of education. Manu^[3] on this point mentions that Veda is the ‘akhila dharmamula’. So for pursuing other knowledge, the Vedic knowledge was necessary. He also states that by practising the pieties of Vedas one is able to acquire fame and happiness in this life and excellent happiness in the next life.

For the sake of comprehending the Vedas, the knowledge of Śikṣā, Candas, Vyākaraṇa, Nirukta, Kalpa and Joytiṣa were also necessary. These are collectively known as Vedāṅgas. According to Viṣṇu Dharmasūtra a student must acquire all the Vedas and Vedāṅgas by heart. If any student not studied the Vedas and Vedāṅgas then he degrades himself as Śūdras^[4].

Next it is necessary to mention here that the Sūtra age was an age of scientific study and specialization. In this period specialisation of any branch of learning is necessary. During the age the subjects of education were widen out and the several Aṅgas of the Vedas were developed. So it was not possible for any particular student to study the entire Vedic literature. This led the system of specialised subjects like Geometry and Algebra, Astronomy and Astrology, Science of Anatomy, Grammar and Philology, which reached the highest points in this age. Geometry and Algebra arose out, to elaborate rules for the construction of altars. Astronomy and Astrology arose, to give proper knowledge of the position and movement of stars and planets. It was also essential to know the suitable days and hours for the performance of sacrifice. The Science of Anatomy or surgery was founded on dissection of the animal to be immolated. And the Grammar and Philology grew out, for the proper care and preservation of sacred text^[5].

During the age caste system was also prevalent, so all the Varṇas were not allowed to study all the subjects. Particular courses of study were prescribed for particular Varṇas of students. The Brāhmaṇa student was able to study all the courses. But especially Vedas and their angas were meant for Brāhmaṇas. The Kṣatriya student was entitled to study the Vedas and Rājnītividyā but Manu states that from the learned Brāhmaṇas they must study the Veda, Daṇḍanīti, Ānvīkṣikī, Brahmavidyā, Trade and Agriculture, Cattle rearing, and the Science of wealth^[6]. And Vaiśya students were also entitled to study the Vedas but the Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Cattle rearing and Science of wealth were the main subjects of their study. Because Manu^[7] states that Rearing of cattle (sheep, etc.) gift-making, performance of sacrifices, study (of the Vedas), merchandise, money-lending and agriculture are the duties of Vaiśya. So they had to study all these above mentioned subjects.

During the age the other few subjects also began to develop as a result of their freedom of thought and study. The Pāṇini Grammar, the Commentary of Patanjali or Patanjali Mahābhāsya and the Kautilyas’ Arthaśāstra were the creation of this age. Along with this, the study of Philosophy and Metaphysics, which had its origin in Vedic Saṃhitās also developed and the six systems of Indian Philosophy viz. Purva Mīmāṃsā, Uttar Mīmāṃsā, Sāṃkhya, Yoga, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika were also evolved^[8]. We also find that Secular studies were simultaneously developed during the period. Several Fine Arts viz., Dancing, Singing, Music as well as Economics and other sciences of useful arts and trades were attaining a high water mark of perfection during the age. These Arts were cultivated mainly by Women and Śūdras^[9]. These treasuries of knowledge were known as Upavedas which had linked up with other branches of knowledge of the Vedas.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

History of Sanskrit Literature by MacDonnell, Kessinger Publishing,2006,P. 264.

[2]:

Tapoviśeṣairvividhairvrataiśca vidhicoditaiḥ | vedaḥ kṛtsnohadhigantavyaḥ sarahasyo dvijanmanā || Manusmṛti II.165.

[3]:

Ibid.II.6-9.

[4]:

Evaṃ vedaṃ vadau vedānvā svīkuryāt | Viṣṇu Dharmasūtra XXVIII.34; Tato vedāṅgani |Ibid.XXVIII. 35; Yasvanadhītavedo’nyatra sraṃam kuryādasau sasaṃatānaḥ śudratvameti ||Ibid. XXVIII.36.

[5]:

Mookerji, R.K. Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist), Motilal Banarasi Dass Publishers, Delhi 2011, P. 168.

[6]:

Traividyevyastryīṃ vidyād daṇḍanītiñca śāśvatīm | Ānvīsikṣikīñcātmvidyāṃ vārtāramvāṃśca lokataḥ ||Manusmṛti VII.43.

[7]:

Paśūnāṃ rakṣaṇaṃ dānamijyādhyanameva ca| Vaṇikpathaṃ kusīdañca vaiśyasya kṛṣimeva ca||Ibid.I.90.

[8]:

Manusaṃhitā, edtd by Dr.Manavendu Bandoyapadhya Sastri, Sanskrit Pustak Bhandar, Kolkata,1419, P 141.

[9]:

sā niṣṭhā yā vidyā strīṣu śūdreṣu ca| Āpastamba Dharmasūtra II.11.29.11.