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(because this history is not merely the depiction consisting stories that have also been incorpo-
of events that happened, but these are the vents rated in a number of sculptures.
that will always happen and repeat). It is written Buddhacharita on life of Buddha is written by
by Vyasa, about the story of war of succession to Ashvaghosha is a work in Sanskrit language.
that throne between Pandavas and Kauravs with ANCIENT SANSKRIT LITERATURE
multiple stories interwoven together to form an
A number of literary works have been written just
epic. Along with the main story of war, a later
prior to the beginning of Gupta Age which had
addition of Bhagvad Gita enshrines an integrated
secular character. This period saw development
view of Dharma (performance of righteous duty
of poetry and drama. The subject of these works
in selfless way of Nishkama Karma).
were majorly political events, allegories, come-
PURANAS dies, romances and philosophical questions.
They helped in development of early Vedic g The works of Kalidasa include the
religion towards Hinduism. The literal meaning
Kumarsambhava, the Raghuvamsha, the
of the word “Purana” means “to renew the old”.
Meghaduta, the Abhijnanshakuntalam are
They were written to illustrate the truth of Vedas
considered classics in field of poetry and
to the people. Puranas explain the philosophical
style.
and religious truths through popular legends and
g Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita which is a
mythological stories. Combined with the Ithihas
biography of King Harsha and Kadambari.
(Ramayana and Mahabharata), Puranas consist
g Bhavabhuti wrote Uttar-Ramayana.
of many stories and anecdotes of religious, social
and cultural history of India. g Bharavi wrote Kirtarjuniya.
SHASTRAS AND SMRITI LITERATURE g Vishakadutta wrote Mudra Rakshasa.
Shastras contain work of philosophy and science. g Shudraka wrote Mricchakatika which covers
They covers areas like art, mathematics and social drama.
other sciences. Arthashastra is a work on science g Dandin wrote Daskumarcharita (the tale of
of governance. 10 princes).
Smritis deal with the performance of duties, There were also a large number of philosophical
customs and laws that are prescribed in accor- literatures. Most important ones are those of
dance with Dharma. Manusmriti is the most Shankaracharya. There are collections of stories
important example, known as laws of Manu. in Panchatantra and Kathasaritsagar.
EARLY BUDDHIST LITERATURE SOUTH-INDIAN LITERATURE
The earliest Buddhist literature is written in Pali In Southern India, the ancient Indian writings
language. The Sutta Pitaka consists of dialogues were written in four Dravidian languages which
between the Buddha and his followers. The developed their own script and literature. These
Vinaya Pitaka deals with rules of organisation of are— Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam.
the monastries. Among these, Tamil is the oldest with literature
Milindapanho is a work of dialogues between dating back to early centuries of Christian era.
Buddhist Nagasena and Indo-greek king This developed during the three Sangams (as-
Menandar. The Jatakas are another important semblies of poets and writers) held during differ-
contribution to the early Buddhist literature ent times. The Sangam literature covers themes
of war, love and politics to a great extent.
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