The History of Indian Literature c8.26.1

c8.26.1

Side by side with the Śrauta-Sútras we are met by a second family of ritual Sútras, the so-called Gṛihya-Sútras, which treat of domestic ceremonies, those celebrated at birth and before it, at marriage, as well as at death and after it. The origin of these works is sufficiently indicated by their title, since, in addition to the name of Gṛihya-Sútras, they also bear that of Smárta-Sútras, *i.e.*, “Sútras founded on the *Smṛiti*.” *Smṛiti*, ‘memory,’ *i.e.*, that which is the subject of memory, can evidently only be distinguished from *Śruti*, ‘hearing,’ *i.e.*, that which is the subject of hearing, in so far as the former impresses itself on the memory directly, without special instruction and provision for the purpose. It belongs to all, it is the property of the whole people, it is supported by the consciousness of all, and does not therefore need to be specially inculcated. Custom and law are common property and accessible to all; ritual, on the contrary, though in like manner arising originally from the common consciousness, is developed in its details by the speculations and suggestions of individuals, and remains so far the property of the few, who, favoured by external circumstances, understand how to inspire the people with a due awe of the importance and sanctity of their institutions. It is not, however, to be assumed from this that Smṛiti, custom and law, did not also undergo considerable alterations in the course of time.