History of Classical Sanskrit Literature c5.64

c5.64

Sutras represented a scientific expression of the tradition and discussion recounted in Brāhmaṇas. They systematised the source of the rituals and so far as Kalpasūtras or Śrautasūtras go, they relate strictly to śruti or the Vedas. To these sūtras have been added Gṛhyasūtras or those that regulate domestic rites. They are partly based on śrutis and partly on smṛtis (unrevealed literature). Sūtras have been the consequence of a national need for concise guide-books for ceremonial, and represented a ‘codification of case-law’ in the sphere of sacrifices and ceremonials.¹