A History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, so far as it illustrates the Primitive Religion of the Brahmans c10.150

c10.150

There is a whole class of hymns commonly called dânastutis, or praises of gifts. They are the thanksgivings of certain priests for presents received from their royal patrons. All of these, like the Latin panegyrics, betray a modern character, and must be referred to the Mantra period. In the Brâhmaṇa period, however, not only are these panegyrics known, but the liberality of these royal patrons is held up to the admiration and imitation of later generations by stories which had to be repeated at the sacrifices. In the Śaṅkhâyana-sûtras (xvi. 11.), the following stories called Nârâśansa (neuter), are mentioned as fit for such occasions. The story of Śunaḥśepha; of Kakshîvat Auśija who received gifts from Svanaya Bhâvyaya; of Śyâvâśva Archanânasa who received gifts from Vaidadaśvi; of Bharadvâja who received gifts from Bribu the carpenter, and Prastoka Sârnjaya; of Vasisṭha who was Purohita of King Sudâs Paijavana; of Medhâthi, and how Âsanga Plâyogi having been a woman became a man; of Vatsa Kânva who received gifts from Tirindira Pâraśavyaya; of Vaśa Aśvya who received gifts from Pṛithuśravas Kânîna; of Praskaṇva who received gifts from Priṣadhra Medhya Mâtariśva (sic); of Nâbhânediṣṭha Mânava, who received gifts from the Angiras’.” All these acts of royal liberality are recorded in the hymns of the Rig-veda, but the hymns themselves may safely be referred to the second age of Vedic poetry.