The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c17.179

v1.c17.179

Interesting as are the Saṃhitās and the Brāhmaṇas from the point of view of the history of civilisation and religion, as literature they are hardly ever of substantial value. Much of the speculation of the Brāhmaṇas is utterly puerile and seems to be the product of a decadent intellect. On the other hand, the real interest of the Upanishads is undeniable: these primitive philosophical fragments exhibit a genuine spirit of enquiry, and here and there do not fail to rise to real dignity and impressiveness.