Vedic Metre in its Historical Development c13.170

c13.170

(viii) Paṅkti and Mahāpaṅkti, as distinct metres, help to bridge the gap between the Rigveda proper and the late Rigveda. In the archaic period these metres seem to have been hardly known, for it is difficult to find hymns in which syncopation is not prevalent. It is quite clear that the differentiation of odd and even verses which led to the developement of epic Anuṣṭubh was attempted in these metres: but as before, the more elaborate form of the stanza was necessarily abandoned when increased attention was given to the rhythm of the single verse.