A History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, so far as it illustrates the Primitive Religion of the Brahmans c7.11

c7.11

In order to prove that these four periods follow each other in historical order, it is necessary to show that the composition of Sûtra works presupposes the existence of a Brâhmana literature; that the Brâhmana literature again is only possible with the presupposition of a Mantra literature; and lastly, that the form in which we possess the Mantra literature presupposes a period of Vedic history preceding the collection and final arrangement of the ancient Mantras or hymns.