Nirukta (etymology)

Authorship

Traditional: Yāska

Scholarly note: Explains obscure Ṛgvedic padapāṭha words.

Why it was written

Preserve semantic analysis of Vedic vocabulary for correct interpretation.

Structure & length

Extent · Twelve adhyāyas

Lists of difficult words with derivations and myths.

Key themes

• nāman
• ākhyāta
• etymology

Related texts

• Vyakarana (grammar)
• Rigveda

Sources

• Nirukta (Wikipedia)
• Yaska (Britannica)