Education in Ancient India c8.s3.13

c8.s3.13

Vedic Studies : The Vedic studies fell further into background during this period. A sufficient number of Brahmanas however was always available to preserve and transmit the Vedic literature to the generations unborn. They used to do their work very thoroughly, for the experts among them would memorise not only the Vedic hymns, but also their *pada-pāṭha krama-pāṭha*, *jaṭā-pāṭha and ghana-pāṭha*.¹ They used to master the details connected with the numerous Vedic sacrifices also. Some of them used to study two, three or even four Vedas and were therefore known as Dvivedins, Trivedins, and Chaturvedins respectively. Many donees of the copperplate grants of this period bear these surnames; they could have become eligible for them only by prolonged and almost life-long devotion to the cause of Vedic studies. This devotion was almost tragic; it did not bring any adequate pecuniary compensation, and required them to memorise texts, which not they, but others, could understand and expound. The number of the Vedic scholars, devoting themselves to the task of interpreting and expounding Vedic hymns, dwindled down very considerably during this period. Vedic studies therefore usually meant the mere cramming of the sacred texts and were often commented upon very adversely by some thinkers of the age, some of whom went to the extent of declaring that the intellect is deadened and rendered useless by the parrot-like cramming of the Vedic hymns.² Kings of this age were more disposed to extend their patronage to poets, who could compliment them by composing neat poems in their honour,³ than to Vedic Brahmanas, who could recite hymns, which neither they themselves nor their hearers could understand. New branches of learning like philosophy and *belles lettres* also appealed more powerfully to the intellect and emotions of the rising generation. In spite of these adverse and discouraging factors Vaidika Brahmanas continued to address themselves to the almost thankless task of memorising the vast Vedic literature, which could not have been preserved but for their devotion to duty.