A History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, so far as it illustrates the Primitive Religion of the Brahmans c10.253

c10.253

This distinction between traditional works and works composed by individual authors is of frequent occurrence in Pâṇini, and we attempted, in a former part of this work, to draw some historical conclusions from this distinction. From IV. 3, 101. to 111. the grammarian gives rules how to derive the titles of works from the names of those by whom they were proclaimed (*tena proktam*). But in most cases these derivations are used by Pâṇini as intermediate links only, in order to form the names of Charaṇas who read and preserve these works. Never, he says (IV. 2, 66.), use the derivative, which would be the title of a work, in the case of hymns (chhandas) or Brâhmaṇas. Do not call a work proclaimed by Kaṭha, Kaṭham, but only speak of Kaṭhas, *i. e.* those who hand down the works proclaimed by Kaṭha. Another still more significant restriction is made by Pâṇini. With reference to modern works, he says, you may use the neuter in the singular or plural, instead of the plural of the masculine. The Brâhmaṇas taught by Yâjnavalkya may be spoken of as such. But the ancient Brâhmaṇas, first proclaimed by Bhallava &c., can only be spoken of "the Bhâllavins" (Bhallavidæ), because it is only in the tradition of his descendants that the works of Bhallava and other ancient sages may be said to live.