Development of Hinduism

Author(s): M M Ninan
Publisher: M M Ninan

Page 41

2. DATES OF VEDAS
and (5) the meters of every verse. What emerges from a reference to the Sarvanukramani is that the Rishis are the authors of the hymns which make up the Rig Veda. The Rig Veda therefore on the evidence of the Anukramani cannot but be regarded as a man-made work. The same must be the conclusion regarding the other Vedas. That the Anukramanis are realistic is proved by many passages in the Rig Veda in which the Rishis describe themselves as the composers of the hymns.
Below are given a few of such passages: "The Kanvas make a prayer to you, hear well their invocation'. Thus, O, Indra, yoker of steeds, have the Gotamas made hymns for these efficaciously"
"This hymn has efficaciously been made to you, O opulent Asvins, by the Manas" "These magnifying prayers, (this) hymn, 0 Asvins, the Gritsamadas have made for you" "Aspiring to heaven, the sage Kusikas have made a hymn with praises to thee, O Indra."
"Nodhas, descendant of Gotama, fashioned this new hymn for (thee). Indra, who are of old, and who yokest thy steeds"
"Thus 0, hero, have the Gritsamadas, desiring succour, fashioned for thee a hymn as men make works."
"The sages generated an efficacious production and a prayer for Indra." "These hymns, Agni, generated for thee, celebrate thy bounty in cows and horses." "Our father hath discovered (or invented) this great, sevenheaded hymn, born of sacred truth; Ayasya, friend of all men celebrating Indra, has generated the fourth song of praise."
"We, the Raghuanas, have uttered to Agni honied speech; we incessantly laud him with eulogies."
"Thus, all ye Adityas, Aditi, and ye ruling powers, has the wise son of Plati magnified you. The celestial race has been lauded by the immortal Gaya."
" He it is whom they call a rishi, a priest, a pious sacrificer, a chanter of prayers, a reciter of hymns, he it is who knows the three bodies of the brilliant (Agni), the man who is most prominent in bestowing gifts."
Apart from the evidence of the Anukramanis there is another sort of evidence which militates against the theory of the Vedas being Apaurusheya. The Rishis themselves have treated the Vedas as a human and as a historical product. The hymns of Rig Veda distinguish between ancient and modern Rishis. Here are a few of them:
"Agni, who is worthy to be celebrated by former as well as modern rishis, will bring the gods hither."
"The former rishis who invoked thee for succour." "Hear the hymn of me this modern sage, of this modern (sage)." "Indra, as thou hast been like a joy to former worshippers who praised thee, like waters to the thirsty, I invoke thee again and again with this hymn."
"The ancient rishis, resplendent and sage, have placed in front of them (Brihaspati) with