A History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, so far as it illustrates the Primitive Religion of the Brahmans c9.s2.72

c9.s2.72

² Colebrooke has taken a different view with respect to the Sûtras. He says, “But those numerous Śâkhâs did not differ so widely from each other as might be inferred from the mention of an equal number of Sanhitâs, or distinct collections of texts. In general, the various schools of the same Veda seem to have used the same assemblage of prayers; they differed more in their copies of the precepts or Brâhmaṇas; and some received into their canon of scripture portions which do not appear to have been acknowledged by others. Yet the chief difference seems always to have been the use of particular rituals taught in aphorisms (sûtras) adopted by each school; and these do not constitute a portion of the Veda, but, like grammar and astronomy, are placed among its appendages.” Misc. Essays, i. 18.