[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c7.491 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.491 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c7.491 - **Language:** English ### [c7.491](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.491) Naval traditions, commerce and political power contributed to the growth and development of Greek language and literature. In each dialect, even from the very beginning, literary efforts were made. Each of the four spoken languages very soon developed into a written language. But, in the very initial periods each of the spoken dialects continued its existence in the form of ballads and songs transferred from one man to another. It was Homer who gave those popular ballads an epic form and status and sowed the seeds of the great literature of Greece. - [Previous: c7.490](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.490) - [Next: c7.492](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.492) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.491](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.491) · Pramāṇa