Vedic Metre in its Historical Development c13.161

c13.161

Even in the archaic period the iambic cadence was more strictly adhered to in the even than in the odd verses: a corresponding restriction of syncopated openings to the even verses laid the basis for the developement of the epic Anuṣṭubh metre. The beginnings of this new rhythm are found either in fragments or in hymns mixed with Paṅkti and Mahāpaṅkti: but in the course of time it developed into the precise but delicate and varied metre which we find in the latest hymns of the Rigveda, and which already shews the essential features of the śloka of Sanskrit epic poetry.