An analysis of Ṛgvedic recitation

Until quite recently, Western students of Veda have found it difficult to obtain reliable information on the manner of chanting practised by Rgvedic Brahmans maintaining their sacred tradition. Some studies on Vedic recitation have appeared in the past, 1 but none has given any information on the oldest of the Vedic schools, the Rgveda. During the year 1952–3, some progress was made in this respect, and recordings were taken in Rājasthān2 and in Bombay.3 At the time, the manner in which these two reciters chanted appeared to run so far counter to the generally accepted notions in the West concerning the nature of the Vedic accentual pattern that their evidence was simply‘filed ’. More recently still, in 1957 and 1958, a further opportunity presented itself of recording chants by a Rgvedic Brahman, this time from Mahārāstra.4 Nothing fully authentic is yet available from the eastern side of India, 5 but the fact that the above three Brahmans agree so closely that any divergences are scarcely worth noting makes useful.