Studies in the Epics and Puranas c8.96

c8.96

Of the five topics proper to the Purāṇas, the first three, *viz.* *sarga*, *pratisarga* and *vaṃśa*, concern early religion and mythology, and the other two, *viz.* *manvantara* and *vaṃśānucarita*, deal with traditional history. In both groups are to be found later amplification, co-ordination and restatement. The first three being the general product of speculative thought were naturally shaped out and transmitted by religious teachers for general instruction.