A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1391

c5.1391

PRĀTISĀKHYAS. Treatises on the phonetic laws of the language of the Vedas, dealing with the euphonic combination of letters and the peculiarities of their pronunciation as they prevailed in the different Sākhās or Vedic schools. These treatises are very ancient, but they are considerably later than the hymns, for the idiom of the hymns must have become obscure and obsolete before these treatises were necessary. Four such treatises are known:—