The History of Indian Literature c8.346

c8.346

The twelfth *káṇḍa* alludes to the destruction of the kingdom of the Sṛiñjayas, whom we find in the second *káṇḍa* at the height of their prosperity, and associated with the Kurus. This connection may still be traced here, for it seems as if the Kauravya Valhika Prátipíya wished to take their part against Chákra, their enemy, who was a native of the country south of the Revá, and priest of King Dushṭarítu of Daśapurushamrájya, but that his efforts failed.—The names Várkali (*i.e.*, Váshkali) and Náka Maudgalya probably also point to a later period of time; the latter does not occur elsewhere except in the Vṛihad-Áraṇyaka and the Taittiríyopanishad.—The Ṛigveda, the Yajurveda, and the Sámaveda are mentioned, and we find testimony to the existence of the Vedic literature generally in the statement that a ceremony once taught by Indra to Vasishṭha and formerly only known to the Vásishṭhas—whence in former times only a Vásishṭha could act as *brahman* (high priest) at its performance—might now be studied by any one who liked, and consequently that any one might officiate as *brahman* thereat.¹³⁷—In iii. 4. 1 occurs the first mention of *purusha Náráyaṇa*.—The name of Proti Kauśámbeya Kausurubindi probably presupposes the existence of the Pañchála city Kauśámbí.