Ancient Indian Historical Tradition c9.65

c9.65

The absolute dearth of traditional history after that stage is quite intelligible, both because the compilation of the Purana had set a seal on tradition, and because the Purana soon passed into the hands of brahmans, who preserved what they had received, but with the brahmanic lack of the historical sense added nothing about later kings—just as the Bhāgavata Purana, which was composed about the ninth century A.D., added nothing to its account of the kings of the Kali age beyond where the Vāyu stopped some four centuries earlier. With the same lack however they have introduced in their own additions to the Puranas notices of brahmans who were later, such as Āsuri, Pañcaśikha, &c.⁴ This marked change at that stage betokens the compilation of the original Purana and the change in the custody of tradition from the sūtas to the brahmans. It is clear evidence that ancient traditions were collected while they were still well known, and while there was still a class of men whose business it was to preserve them carefully.