The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c10.s2.43

v1.c10.s2.43

Let us now turn our attention to the condition of Hinduism during our period. In the eighth century, Kumārila made a determined effort to forward the cause of Vedic sacrifice, but it appears that his advocacy proved of no avail. No kings of our period cared to perform any Vedic sacrifices; among the numerous Brāhman grantees, only two are described as having performed some of the Vedic rites.⁵ In spite of Kumārila's championing, Smārta religion continued to gain greater and greater popularity during our period. The average religious Hindu was rarely attracted by Vedic sacrifices, though he was accustomed to perform with devout sincerity the rituals prescribed in the Smṛtis and Purāṇas. Compared to the Vedic sacrifices these rituals were simpler, they also did not involve any slaughter of animals, which had become extremely unpopular owing to the propaganda set on foot by Jainism and Buddhism.