Question

What is the name given to verses of unknown authorship that are popularly known to describe the specific characteristics or deeds of famous great men (Mahapurushas)?

• A. Akhyanam
• B. Akhyayika
• C. Gatha
• D. Upakhyanam

Hint:

In Vedic literature, differentiate between 'Mantra' (divine) and 'Gatha' (human/folk). Gatha is the precursor to the epic poetry found in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Think of Gathas as ancient ballads.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In the vast landscape of ancient Indian literature, particularly within the Vedic and Puranic traditions, there exist various forms of narratives and poetic verses used to preserve history and culture. While many works are attributed to specific sages like Valmiki or Vyasa, there is a significant body of oral tradition consisting of verses that praise the virtues, genealogies, and heroic deeds of kings and saints. These verses, which often circulate among the common people before being codified into larger texts, are technically known by specific terminologies such as 'Gatha', 'Narasamsi', or 'Itihasa'.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The term Gatha refers to a specific type of religious or heroic verse. Unlike the standard Vedic 'Mantras', which are considered 'Apaurusheya' (not created by man) or divinely revealed to Rishis, Gathas are often viewed as human compositions. In the context of the Puranas and the Brahmanas, a Gatha is a verse that commemorates the specific character traits (Vaisheshya) or the great achievements of legendary figures. These verses were often sung by professional bards (Sutas and Magadhas) in royal courts or during sacrifices to inspire the audience.
The characteristic of being 'Ajnata-kartrika' (of unknown authorship) is central to the Gatha. Since they evolved through an oral tradition, the original composer's name is usually lost to time, but the verse itself survives due to its popular appeal (Loka-prakhyata). These verses serve as historical "snapshots" of ancient heroes. For example, many Gathas describe the generosity of kings like Janaka or the valor of heroes like Bharata.
Let us look at the other options to understand why they are distinct:
1. Akhyanam (Option A): These are narrative stories, often including dialogue, found in the Brahmanas and Puranas (e.g., the story of Shunahshepa). They are full stories, not just individual verses of praise.
2. Akhyayika (Option B): This is a technical term in Sanskrit poetics (Sahitya Shastra) for a specific genre of prose romance based on historical facts (like the Harshacharita), usually attributed to a known author.
3. Upakhyanam (Option D): These are "sub-episodes" or secondary tales found within a larger epic. For instance, the 'Nala-Damayanti' story is an Upakhyanam within the Mahabharata.
Therefore, the specific verses of unknown origin that eulogize great men are categorized as Gathas.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The term for such verses is Gatha.