Vedic Metre in its Historical Development c5.s2.16

c5.s2.16

metre, and include a large proportion of hymns in which cretic rhythm is favoured. Authors’ names are again wanting, though refrain verses sometimes occur. The linguistic forms which characterize the Atharvaveda begin to appear with some frequency. Although these groups form a comparatively small part of the Rigveda, they seem to have a character of their own, and to belong to a period of transition which may be provisionally named the cretic period, with reference to the distinctive rhythm often found in these hymns.