Vedic Metre in its Historical Development c5.3

c5.3

2. The historical standpoint is strange to Indian literary tradition. Men of learning who regard the Rigveda with the respect due to a book of sacred authority, who find in it the inspired source of the convictions and laws which hold together the social life of their country, must naturally look for unity and agreement in its parts. Scrupulously faithful in the preservation of every iota of its text, they seek to interpret its form and its meaning by absolute standards. To their diligence and sincerity we of the West are deeply indebted: for in this way a unique monument of the history of mankind has been preserved, and no small contribution made to its understanding.