A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1270

c5.1270

NIRUKTA. ‘Etymology, glossary.’ One of the Vedāngas. The Nirukta is devoted to the explanation of difficult Vedic words. The only work of the kind now known to us is that of Yāska, who was a predecessor of Pānini; but such works were no doubt numerous, and the names of seventeen writers of Niruktas are mentioned as having preceded Yāska. The Nirukta consists of three parts:—(1.) Naighantuka, a collection of synonymous words; (2.) Naigama, a collection of words peculiar to the Vedas; (3.) Daivata, words relating to deities and sacrifices. These are mere lists of words, and are of themselves of little value. They may have been compiled by Yāska himself, or he may have found them ready to his hand. The real Nirukta, the valuable portion of the work, is Yāska’s commentary which follows. In this he explains the meaning of words, enters into etymological investigations, and quotes passages of the Vedas in illustration. These are valuable from their acknowledged antiquity, and as being the oldest known examples of a Vedic gloss. They also throw a light upon the scientific and religious condition of their times, but the extreme brevity of their style makes them obscure and difficult to understand. The text of the Nirukta has been published by Roth.