A History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, so far as it illustrates the Primitive Religion of the Brahmans c8.s2.37

c8.s2.37

For the Sâma-veda we have two classes of Anukramaṇîs, the former more ancient, the latter more modern than those of the other Vedas which we have hitherto examined. One index to the hymns of the Sâma-veda (following the order of the Veyagâna and Âraṇyagâna) has been preserved under the name of Ârsheya-brâhmaṇa¹, a title by which this work is admitted within the pale of the revealed literature of the Brahmans. Allusions to the names of poets and deities of different hymns occur in the Brâhmaṇas of other Vedas also; but in none, except the Sâma-veda, have these scattered observations been arranged into regular Anukramaṇîs before the beginning of the Sûtra period, or been incorporated in the body of their revealed literature. What the Brahmans call Śruti or revelation, signifies, as we saw, what is more ancient than the Sûtras; and that the Ârsheya-brâhmaṇa is earlier at least than Kâtyâyana, can be proved by the fact of Kâtyâyana's quoting passages from it.² It has been pointed out as a distinguishing mark of the Brâhmaṇas of the Sâma-veda that they are never accented, but it is doubtful whether any conclusion could be drawn from this as to their being of later origin than the Brâhmaṇas of the other Vedas.¹