Lecture Notes on Vedangas: Nirukta and Chandas

Introduction

• The lecture focuses on two Vedangas: Nirukta and Chandas.
• Understanding these is essential for interpreting Vedic texts accurately.

Nirukta

Importance of Nirukta

• Example provided from the Tandiya Brahmana.
  • Misinterpretation by Dutch philosopher Kaland involving stacking cows metaphorically to describe the distance between heaven and earth.
• Purpose: Nirukta helps avoid such misinterpretations by providing correct meanings based on context.

Function of Nirukta

• Acts as a thesaurus for Vedic words.
• Provides synonyms (Nighantu) that are crucial for accurate translations.
  • Example: "Go" can mean "earth" instead of "cow" in Vedic context.

Structure of Nighantu

• First Chapter: 17 groups, 415 words.
• Second Chapter: 22 groups, 516 words.
• Third Chapter: 30 groups, 410 words.
• Naigama Kanda: 278 words with multiple meanings organized into 3 groups.
• Daivata Kanda: 151 words related to deities in 3 groups.

Historical Context

• Nirukta by Yaska written in 5th century BCE.
• Functions as a commentary on Nighantu.

Chandas

Importance of Chandas

• Essential for understanding the Vedic Samhitas, which are in prosody.
• Helps ensure correct pronunciation and structure by providing a framework for meters.

Function of Chandas

• Defines the metric structure of Vedic compositions.
• Purpose: Maintains the integrity of texts by highlighting deviations such as missing or extra syllables.

Structure of Meters

• Main meters: There are seven main meters used in the Vedic texts.
  • Most meters have four quarters (padas), but some have three.
• Each pada contains a set number of syllables, any deviation affects the meter.

Example of Meter

• Gayatri Meter:
  • Consists of three padas, each with eight syllables, totaling 24 syllables.
  • Example given from Rigveda’s 8th or 9th Mandala.

Overview of Vedic Meters

• Table of Meters:
  • Gayatri: 3 padas x 8 syllables = 24 syllables.
  • Other examples: Ushnik, Anushtubh, and more, with varying structures.

Application

• Knowledge of Chandas is critical for preserving the textual integrity of Vedic and other literary compositions.
• Chandas also found applications in early binary mathematics, as developed in Pingala's Chandashastra around 200 BCE.

Conclusion

• Nirukta and Chandas are pivotal Vedangas for understanding and preserving Vedic texts.
• Future discussion on the mathematical implications related to Chandas will be explored in another session.