Ancient Indian Classification Systems

Panini, of ancient India, devised the first classification of literature. He constructed it on the basis of creative effort.

1. Prokta – Literature ordained by the founders of the various Vedic schools
2. Drishta – Literature that is revealed or seen
3. Upanata – Literature on new knowledge
4. Krita – Odinary works, which were named after their subject matter
5. Vyakhyana – Literature of exposition and commentaries

The following system of History was used by Aryan sages and scholars. Included here are the thirteen main classes.

1. History proper or historical tradition
2. Ancient accounts
3. Ancient accounts of a single person
4. A small historical story
5. Story within a story
6. Biography
7. Couplets about the deeds of heroes
8. Songs in praise of charity and sayings of great men
9. Short histories
10. Commandments of kings
11. Prologue
12. Geonologies, creation and dissolution accounts
13. Family tables

The following is a tentative classified list of known ancient Indian works on Indology. Only the main headings of Vedic and Post-Vedic Literatures are listed. The classification of Buddhist and Jain Literatures follow Ranganathan’s Colon Classification.

A – Vedic Literrature

1. Samhitas
2. Brahmanas
3. Aranyakas
4. Upanishadas
5. Vedangas
6. Siksha
7. Indian Philosophy
8. Dharmashastras
9. Epics

B – Post-Vedic Literature

1. Puranas
2. Upa Puranas
3. Tantric Literature

C – Buddhist Literature

D – Jain Literature

E – Classics

---

Bibliography

1. Trehan, G. L. Learning and Libraries in Ancient India – A Study. Chandrigarh, India: Library Literature House, 1975.