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PURNING OF HINDU WIDOWS.
309
and accordingly they do not occur. Sáyana, however, observes, that different recensions do exist, of which the Drávira has 64 anuvákas, the Andhra 80, the Karnáta 74, others 89. There may be a copy belonging to a different Sákhá, Aukhva for instance, of which we have no copy, with 84 anuvákas. Sayana, however, avowedly follows the Drávira recension, containing only 64 anuvákas, the actual number of two copies consulted, and in which no such passages are met with; whence then do the Pandits derive their scholia of the 84th? it is for them to give a satisfactory explanation. Therefore, as the matter stands, the verses cited, together with their commentary, wear a somewhat suspicious appearance, not less observable that the different recensions specified are all named after the divisions of Southern India, where the Vedas did not penetrate probably till long after their compilation. Although, however, their authenticity be admitted, their occurring in an Upanishad, or even in a Brahmana, is no proof that the Sanhita of the Taittiriya Yajush contains them, or sanctions the burning of widows, or that the rite was cotemporary with the ritual of the Vedic period.
