Ancient Indian Education: An Inquiry into its Origin, Development, and Ideals c4.9

c4.9

At some time and in some way unknown these family collections came to be amalgamated and taught together. This may have been due to the action of some powerful chieftain who wished to gather for his own benefit all the sacrificial literature. The first and eighth books were then added at some time, and also the ninth, which consists of hymns used for the Soma sacrifice. The tenth book was added last of all, and although it contains some old material, some of it was written later. One hymn² in it refers to caste, and it is evident that by this time social distinctions had increased and society become more complex. In a hymn¹ of this last book there is reference to the learned Brāhmans meeting together for debate:—