Literature of Ancient India

Philosophical

Upanishads - Unknown authors. These philosophical texts form the last part of the Vedas and discuss ideas like karma, reincarnation, and moksha. They give insight into the philosophical thought of ancient India.
Puranas - Various authors. These ancient Indian texts contain stories about the creation of the universe, genealogies of gods, legends of saints and kings, and myths related to Hindu cosmology and geography.
Aranyakas and Brahmanas - Various authors. These are explanatory texts related to the Vedas and provide information about rituals and philosophical concepts.
Arthashastra - Kautilya (Chanakya). This ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy provides important information about the political scenario in ancient India.
Ashtadhyayi - Panini. This ancient Sanskrit grammar book provides a lot of linguistic data that can be used to understand the socio-cultural situation of the time.
Natya Shastra - Bharata Muni. This ancient treatise on the performing arts provides information about the development of arts in ancient India.
Sushruta Samhita - Sushruta. An ancient text on medicine and surgery, it provides a view of the medical knowledge and practices in ancient India.
Charaka Samhita - Charaka. Another foundational text of Ayurveda, it gives insight into the health and wellness practices.
Nyaya Sutras - Gautama. This ancient Indian text forms the basis of the Nyaya school of Hindu philosophy.
Vedangas - Various authors. These are six auxiliary disciplines traditionally associated with the study and understanding of the Vedas.
Yoga Sutras - Patanjali. This foundational text of Yoga philosophy provides insights into the spiritual practices in ancient India.
Mimamsa Sutras - Jaimini. This philosophical text forms the basis of Mimamsa, one of the six orthodox schools of Hinduism.
Brahma Sutras - Badarayana. A central text of the Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy, it gives insight into the philosophical debates of ancient India.
Periplus of the Erythraean Sea - Unknown Greek author. A navigation and trading guide, it provides information about the trade between the Roman Empire and Ancient India.
Indica - Megasthenes. The book provides some of the earliest and most important foreign accounts of India.
Naturalis Historia - Pliny the Elder. This book includes descriptions of India as known to the Romans in the first century AD.
Geographica - Strabo. This geography book provides some early foreign descriptions of India.
Rajatarangini - Kalhana. This book provides a historical account of the northwestern Indian subcontinent, particularly Kashmir.
Madala Panji - Unknown author. The temple chronicle of Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, it provides historical accounts of Odisha.
Harshacharita - Banabhatta. The biography of Indian emperor Harsha by Banabhatta, the court poet.
Gathasaptashati - Hala. A collection of poems in Maharashtri Prakrit, providing a glimpse into the social, economic, and cultural life of people during the Satavahana era.
Amuktamalyada - Krishnadevaraya. A Telugu epic poem which provides insight into society during the Vijayanagara Empire.

Sangam Literature

The Sangam literature is categorized into two main groups: the Eight Anthologies (Ettuthokai) and the Ten Idylls (Pattupattu). These texts provide significant insights into the social, cultural, and literary aspects of ancient Tamil society. While the specific dates of individual works are debated, the poems and texts collectively reflect a time span of several centuries.

Here are some important books and themes from Sangam literature:

Tolkappiyam - This is a foundational Tamil grammar and literary treatise attributed to the author Tolkappiyar. It provides guidelines for poetry composition, classification of words, and principles of literary analysis.
Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies) - This collection consists of eight books containing love poems, nature poetry, and moral and ethical teachings. Some notable works include:
- Kuruntokai - A collection of 401 short love poems composed by various poets.
- Nattrinai - Poems about love and nature, including descriptions of landscapes, flora, and fauna.
- Ainkurunuru - A collection of 500 poems covering a wide range of themes, including love, war, and aspects of daily life.

Pattupattu (Ten Idylls) - This collection consists of ten long narrative poems that depict the cultural and social life of ancient Tamils. Some prominent works include:
Purananuru - A collection of 400 poems that offer insights into the lives of warriors, kings, and the broader society.
- Madurai Kanchi - Celebrates the rivalry between the cities of Madurai and Kanchi and the events surrounding a grand festival.
- Porunararrupadai - Focuses on the battle between Chera and Chola kings and their patronage of poets.
Silappadikaram - Written by Ilango Adigal, this epic poem narrates the story of Kovalan and Kannagi, exploring themes of love, justice, and morality. It provides vivid descriptions of ancient Tamil society, trade, and cultural practices.
Manimekalai - Written by Seethalai Saathanar, this epic poem follows the life of the protagonist Manimekalai, exploring Buddhist philosophy, ethics, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment.

Themes prevalent in Sangam literature include love and romance, descriptions of nature, valor, heroism, warfare, moral and ethical teachings, descriptions of courtly life, and the role of kings and patronage. These texts also shed light on trade, economy, social classes, religious practices, and the cultural milieu of ancient Tamil society.

It's important to note that while Sangam literature provides valuable historical and cultural insights, it also includes mythological elements and poetic embellishments, making it a blend of history, folklore, and literary artistry.

Smriti and Shastra

Smritis refer to a category of ancient Indian texts that are based on the Smriti tradition. Derived from the Sanskrit word "smṛti," meaning "that which is remembered," these texts serve as legal and ethical codes, providing guidelines for personal conduct, social customs, rituals, and governance. Smritis are considered secondary scriptures and are important sources for understanding the social, cultural, and legal frameworks of ancient India.

Some of the prominent smritis include:

Manusmriti (Laws of Manu) - Manusmriti, attributed to the legendary figure Manu, is one of the most well-known smritis. It offers a comprehensive legal and ethical code that covers various aspects of life, including social hierarchy (varna), marriage, inheritance, punishment, and moral conduct. Manusmriti provides insights into the social structure and values prevalent during its time.
Yajnavalkya Smriti - Ascribed to sage Yajnavalkya, this text delves into various aspects of law, dharma (duty/righteousness), and social organization. It covers topics such as legal procedures, inheritance, marriage, and ethics.
Narada Smriti - Attributed to sage Narada, this text focuses on legal and moral principles, emphasizing the duties and responsibilities of individuals based on their varna (caste) and stage of life (ashrama). It also discusses legal procedures and punishments.
Parashara Smriti - Ascribed to sage Parashara, this text covers diverse topics such as administration, governance, law, dharma, and ethical conduct. It provides guidance for kings, rulers, and administrators.
Vyasa Smriti - Attributed to sage Vyasa, this text encompasses a wide range of subjects, including governance, rituals, duties of various social classes, legal procedures, and inheritance laws.

These smritis not only provide guidelines for personal conduct but also offer insights into the societal structure, family dynamics, legal practices, and cultural norms prevalent in ancient India. They reflect the concerns, values, and ideals of the time and serve as references for understanding the social, religious, and legal frameworks within which individuals and communities operated.

It is important to note that smritis are not static texts, and different versions or commentaries might exist. They were subject to modifications, interpretations, and regional variations over time, reflecting the evolving nature of the Indian legal and social systems.

Shastra refers to a broad category of ancient Indian texts that encompass various fields of knowledge, including science, philosophy, arts, and spirituality. Derived from the Sanskrit word "śāstra," which means "treatise" or "scripture," these texts are authoritative works that provide systematic knowledge and guidance in their respective domains.

Shastra texts cover a wide range of subjects and disciplines. Here are some notable shastras and their areas of focus:

Arthashastra - Written by Kautilya (Chanakya), this text deals with political science, governance, and economics. It covers topics such as statecraft, administration, foreign policy, economics, and military strategy.
Kama Sutra - Authored by Vatsyayana, the Kama Sutra is a treatise on the art of love, sexuality, and relationships. It provides guidance on romantic relationships, courtship, marriage, and various sexual techniques.
Yoga Sutras - Composed by Patanjali, the Yoga Sutras outline the philosophy and practice of yoga. They provide a comprehensive guide to achieving self-realization, inner peace, and spiritual growth through the eight limbs of yoga.
Natya Shastra - Written by Bharata Muni, this text is the foundational treatise on Indian performing arts, including music, dance, and drama. It covers aspects such as aesthetics, stagecraft, acting, music theory, and the different types of performing arts.
Ayurveda - Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine, and several shastras focus on this field. The Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita are two important texts that detail medical knowledge, anatomy, herbal remedies, surgical procedures, and principles of healthcare.
Vastu Shastra - Vastu Shastra deals with architecture, urban planning, and design principles. It provides guidelines for constructing buildings, temples, and cities, emphasizing harmony, energy flow, and the use of sacred geometry.
Nyaya Sutras - The Nyaya Sutras, authored by Gautama, are foundational texts in the field of logic and reasoning. They establish the principles of logical thinking, debate, and argumentation.
Dharma Shastra - Dharma Shastra texts, including Manusmriti and Dharmashastra by various authors, provide guidelines for righteous living, moral conduct, social customs, and legal principles.
Sangeet Ratnakara - This treatise by Sarangadeva is a comprehensive work on Indian classical music, covering topics such as raga, tala, musical instruments, vocal techniques, and aesthetics.
Astrology Shastra - Various shastras are dedicated to the study of astrology and divination, such as Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Jataka Parijata, and Phaladeepika. They provide guidance on predicting and interpreting planetary influences on human lives.

Shastra texts were highly regarded in ancient India and played a crucial role in shaping knowledge, culture, and society. They provided a framework for understanding the world, guiding individuals in various aspects of life and providing a foundation for intellectual, artistic, and spiritual pursuits. These texts continue to be studied, referenced, and interpreted by scholars and practitioners in their respective fields to this day.