The History of Indian Literature c8.362.5

c8.362.5

For in the first five and the last four *kāṇḍas* the name of Yājnavalkya meets us exclusively, and very frequently, as that of the teacher whose opinion is appealed to as the decisive authority, whose system consequently is in any case there set forth.¹ Further, if we except the Yājnavalkīya-kāṇḍa and the *gāthās* in the thirteenth *kāṇḍa*, races settled in eastern or central Hindustān are the only ones mentioned in these *kāṇḍas*, viz., the Kurupañchālas, Kosalavidehas, Śviknas, and Sṛiñjayas. Once only the Prāchyas (eastern tribes) are opposed to the Vāhīkas (western tribes); again there is once mention made of the Udīchyas (inhabitants of the north); and lastly, the (southern) Nishadhas are once alluded to in the name of their king, Nala Naishadha (or, as he is here called, Naishidha). From this the remaining *kāṇḍas*—the sixth to the tenth—differ palpably enough. They recognise Śāṇḍilya as the final authority,² instead of Yājnavalkya, whom they do not even name; neither do they mention any but north-western races, viz., the Gandhāras with their king Nagnajit, the Salvas, and the Kekayas.³ May not the above-mentioned Vaṅśa apply not only to the tenth book, but to these five *kāṇḍas*?