A History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, so far as it illustrates the Primitive Religion of the Brahmans c7.6

c7.6

¹ It is remarkable that in Pânini also, the word śloka is always used in opposition to Vedic literature (Pân. iv. 1. 66., iv. 3. 103. 1., iv. 3. 107.). Ślokas, even if ascribed by Indian tradition to the same author, who is considered as the Ṛishi of Vedic hymns or Brâhmaṇas, are quoted by a name different from that of his other works. The hymns or Brâhmaṇas ascribed to Kaṭha, for instance, are always to be quoted as “Kaṭhâh” (οἱ περὶ Κάθον); an expression which could never apply to poetical compositions ascribed to the same Kaṭha, if written in Ślokas. Verses written in this modern style of poetry must be quoted as “Kaṭhic Ślokas” (Kaṭhâh ślokâh). The Brâhmaṇa promulgated by Tittiri, and kept up in the tradition of the Taittirîyas, is quoted by the name of “the Taittirîyas,” but Ślokas composed by Tittiri are never included under this title. Pân. ii. 4. 21. Vâlmîki-ślokas are mentioned.