Dear list,

In my research on the Vedic schools of Mahārāṣṭra I have come across the claim from many ṛgvedins reciters that they study the so-called Daśagranthas as their curriculum. These ten 'books' are: Saṁhitā, Brāhmaṇa, Āraṇyaka, Śikṣā, Kalpa, Vyākaraṇa, Nighaṇṭu, Nirukta, Chandas and Jyotiṣa. An alternative list include the pada and krama (recitations), instead of Nighaṇṭu and Āraṇyaka but give the list in a slight different order. Someone who claims to master these "ten books" is entitled to the name daśagranthin/daśagranthī.

Does anyone here know how this particular list came to be put together? Why are these the "ten books of the Ṛgveda"? Does anyone know of a ṛgvedin who actually recites all these texts from memory? It seems that today it has become not more than a prestigious title (and a inherited family name) without the actual knowledge it is supposed to designate.

Any clues and suggestions towards more clarity on the subject would be much appreciated.

Greetings,

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