Ancient Indian Knowledge System Classification
SHRUTI
(Revealed Knowledge)
- Vedas (4):
- • Rigveda - Knowledge of Hymns
- • Samaveda - Knowledge of Melodies
- • Yajurveda - Sacrificial Formulas
- • Atharvaveda - Magical Formulas
- Vedic Components:
- • Samhitas - Core Collections
- • Brahmanas - Ritual Explanations
- • Aranyakas - Forest Texts
- • Upanishads - Philosophical Texts (108+)
- Vedangas (6):
- • Shiksha (Phonetics)
- • Kalpa (Rituals)
- • Vyakarana (Grammar)
- • Nirukta (Etymology)
- • Chandas (Metrics)
- • Jyotisha (Astronomy)
SMRITI
(Remembered Knowledge)
- Itihasas (Epics):
- • Ramayana - 24,000 verses
- • Mahabharata - 100,000+ verses
- • Bhagavad Gita - 700 verses
- Puranas:
- • 18 Mahapuranas
- • 18 Upapuranas
- Dharma Texts:
- • Manusmriti
- • Yajnavalkya Smriti
- • Narada Smriti
- • Other Law Codes
- Sutras:
- • Dharma Sutras
- • Grihya Sutras
- • Shrauta Sutras
DARSHANAS
(Philosophical Systems)
- Orthodox (Astika) - 6:
- • Sankhya - Enumeration
- • Yoga - Union
- • Nyaya - Logic
- • Vaisheshika - Atomism
- • Mimamsa - Ritual Investigation
- • Vedanta - End of Vedas
- Heterodox (Nastika):
- • Buddhism - Middle Path
- • Jainism - Non-violence
- • Charvaka - Materialism
- Regional Schools:
- • Kashmir Shaivism
- • Tamil Shaiva Siddhanta
- • Various Bhakti Schools
SHASTRA
(Technical Sciences)
- Ayurveda (Medicine):
- • Charaka Samhita
- • Sushruta Samhita
- • Ashtanga Hridaya
- Jyotisha (Astronomy):
- • Surya Siddhanta
- • Brihat Samhita
- Ganita (Mathematics):
- • Lilavati
- • Bijaganita
- Arts & Architecture:
- • Natya Shastra (Drama)
- • Sangita Ratnakara (Music)
- • Shilpa Shastra (Sculpture)
- • Vastu Shastra (Architecture)
- Other Sciences:
- • Arthashastra (Politics)
- • Kamasutra (Erotics)
- • Dhanurveda (Warfare)
TANTRA & AGAMA
- Tantric Texts: Various esoteric practices
- Agamic Literature: Temple rituals and worship
- Sectarian Texts:
- • Shaiva Agamas (28 texts)
- • Vaishnava Samhitas (108 texts)
- • Shakta Tantras (64 texts)
DEVOTIONAL LITERATURE
- Bhakti Literature:
- • Stotras (Hymns of Praise)
- • Bhajans (Devotional Songs)
- • Saint Poetry
- Regional Texts:
- • Tamil Tirumurai
- • Telugu Annamacharya
- • Hindi Sant Literature
REGIONAL TRADITIONS
- Language Traditions:
- • Sanskrit Classical Literature
- • Prakrit & Pali Works
- • Tamil Sangam Literature
- Local Traditions:
- • Folk Literature
- • Oral Traditions
- • Vernacular Texts
Classification Legend
SHRUTI: Divine revelation, eternal knowledge heard by ancient sages
SMRITI: Human memory, traditional knowledge passed down through generations
DARSHANAS: Philosophical systems providing different viewpoints on reality
SHASTRA: Technical and applied sciences for practical knowledge
TANTRA/AGAMA: Esoteric traditions focusing on practice and ritual
REGIONAL: Local traditions preserving cultural diversity
Explore Detailed Sections
Vedic Literature
वैदिक वाङ्मय
Complete exploration of the four Vedas, their Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads, along with the six Vedangas.
Explore Vedic Texts →Smriti Literature
स्मृति साहित्य
Law codes, epics, Puranas, and Dharma literature that shaped Indian society and culture.
Explore Smriti Texts →Six Darshanas
षड्दर्शन
The six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy and their fundamental texts.
Explore Philosophical Schools →