ASutras and Sästras are together known as Smriti.
BB) Manav Dharma Sästra is also known as lawbook of Manu.
CC) Mitäkshara is a commentary on the lawbook of Yäjnavalkya.
DD) Dharma Sutras deal with domestic religious ceremonies.
Answer:
D. D) Dharma Sutras deal with domestic religious ceremonies.
Read Explanation:
To understand why the statement 'D) Dharma Sutras deal with domestic religious ceremonies' is incorrect, it's important to differentiate between various categories of ancient Indian texts.
1. Dharma Sutras vs. Grihya Sutras
The statement 'Dharma Sutras deal with domestic religious ceremonies' is incorrect.
Dharma Sutras are ancient prose texts in Sanskrit, part of the larger body of Vedic literature known as the Kalpa Sutras (which also include Shrauta Sutras and Grihya Sutras).
They primarily deal with dharma (righteous conduct), law, moral duties, and social customs. They prescribe rules for the conduct of individuals, communities, and kings, covering aspects like property, crime, marriage, inheritance, and the duties of the four varnas (social classes) and ashramas (stages of life).
Important Dharma Sutras include those by Gautama, Baudhayana, Apastamba, and Vasistha.
It is the Grihya Sutras (another part of Kalpa Sutras) that specifically deal with domestic rituals, daily sacrifices (agnihotra), and life-cycle ceremonies (samskaras) such as birth, naming, initiation (upanayana), marriage, and funeral rites. Examples include Ashvalayana Grihya Sutra and Paraskara Grihya Sutra.
2. Other Categories of Ancient Literature (Correct Statements)
a) Smritis are considered texts of law.
This statement is correct.
Smritis (literally 'that which is remembered') are a class of post-Vedic texts that codify Hindu law, ethics, and social conduct. They are based on tradition and memory, distinguishing them from Shruti (Vedas, 'that which is heard' or revealed).
They provide detailed regulations for social order, moral duties, religious observances, and legal proceedings.
The most famous and influential Smriti is the Manusmriti (Laws of Manu), while others include the Yajnavalkya Smriti and Narada Smriti.
b) Brahmanas elaborate the Vedic hymns.
This statement is correct.
The Brahmanas are prose texts attached to the four Vedas (Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda).
Their primary purpose is to explain the meaning, application, and mystical significance of the Vedic hymns, particularly those used in elaborate sacrificial rituals (yagnas).
They provide detailed instructions for the performance of rituals, discuss their origins, and offer mythological and theological explanations. They act as a bridge between the Mantra/Samhita portions of the Vedas and the more philosophical Aranyakas and Upanishads.
Key Brahmanas include the Aitareya Brahmana (Rig Veda), Shatapatha Brahmana (Yajur Veda), and Tandya Maha Brahmana (Sama Veda).
c) Aranyakas are also called forest books.
This statement is correct.
Aranyakas (literally 'belonging to the forest') are philosophical and mystical treatises that form a transitional layer between the ritualistic Brahmanas and the speculative Upanishads.
They are called 'forest books' because they were intended to be studied in the solitude of forests by hermits and ascetics, rather than within villages or homes.
They delve into the deeper, symbolic, and esoteric meanings of sacrificial rites, focusing less on the external performance and more on the inner spiritual significance. They often discuss meditation and abstract philosophical concepts.
Prominent Aranyakas include the Aitareya Aranyaka and the Taittiriya Aranyaka.