literature continuation

Smriti Literature
Vedangas
Vedangas are six auxiliary disciplines associated with the study and understanding of the Vedas They include Shiksha (Phonetics), Kalpa (Ritual Canon), Vyakaran (Grammar), Nirukta (explanation), Chhanda (Vedic meter) and Jyotisha (Astrology)
Shatdarshana
The six āstika (orthodox) schools of thought of Hinduism are called Shatdarshana or six philosophies These include Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimansa and Vedanta Currently, only Vedanta and Yoga are in tradition
Puranas
Puranas are compilations of ancient legends and consist of history of the universe from creation to destruction, genealogies of kings, heroes, sages, and demigods, and descriptions of Hindu cosmology, philosophy, and geography They have served as sources of historical facts of early period but are coloured with exaggerations, and also represent a corrupt form of Hindu Philosophy Due to this, for historians, they are neither trustworthy proofs for reconstruction of Ancient Indian History nor helpful in fixing the boundaries of the empires They also don’t provide authentic information about the administration of ancient dynasties
Itihasas (epics)
The Four Itihasas or Epics are Valmiki-Ramayana, Yogavasishtha, Mahabharata and Harivamsa These embody all that is in the Vedas, but only in a simpler manner Due to their simplicity like a novel, they are called the Suhrit-Samhitas or the Friendly Treatises {Conversely, Vedas are called the Prabhu-Samhitas or the Commanding Treatises with great authority} Itihasas explain the great universal truths in the form of historical narratives, stories and dialogues These are very interesting volumes and are liked by all, from the inquisitive child to the intellectual scholar
Upavedas
Upaveda is literally “applied knowledge” These are supplementary Vedas on technical subjects These include:
Āyurveda: Deals in Medicine and associated with the Rigveda
Dhanurveda: Deals in Archery and associated with the Yajurveda
Gāndharvaveda: Deals with Music and Dance and associated with the Samaveda
Shastrashastra: Deals with military technology and associated with the Atharvaveda