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Kalpa (Samskrit : कल्पः) not to be confused with Kalpas defined by Kala pramana (time) is a part of the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Shad Vedangas]]. They are called as Sutra Charanas consisting of a group of texts that relate specifically to aspects of conduct of Vedic or Shrauta yajnas, the Grhya yajnas, samskaras, the agni or fire involved in these activities, their procedural explanations, yajna vedi measurements involved and associated dharmas both for individual and society at large. [[File:Kalpa Sarwang.png|thumb|500x500px|'''Guru describing preparation of Vedi for Yajna''' Courtesy: Book "Sarwang" Published by Adivasi Lok Kala Evam Boli Vikas Academy, Madhya Pradesh Sanskriti Parishad]]Usually described as the "arms of Vedapurusha", they systematically codified the ceremonies given in the Brahmana texts of the Vedas referred to as manuals for karmakanda or yajna related activities. It may be noted that the article is titled Kalpa Vedanga to distinguish it from Kalpa, the time terminology.  

Kalpa (Samskrit : कल्पः) not to be confused with Kalpas defined by Kala pramana (time) is a part of the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Shad Vedangas]]. They are called as Sutra Charanas consisting of a group of texts that relate specifically to aspects of conduct of Vedic or Shrauta yajnas, the Grhya yajnas, samskaras, the agni or fire involved in these activities, their procedural explanations, yajna vedi measurements involved and associated dharmas both for individual and society at large. [[File:Kalpa Sarwang.png|thumb|500x500px|'''Guru describing preparation of Vedi for Yajna''' Courtesy: Book "Sarwang" Published by Adivasi Lok Kala Evam Boli Vikas Academy, Madhya Pradesh Sanskriti Parishad]]Usually described as the "arms of Vedapurusha", they systematically codified the ceremonies given in the Brahmana texts of the Vedas referred to as manuals for karmakanda or yajna related activities. It may be noted that the article is titled Kalpa Vedanga to distinguish it from Kalpa, the time terminology.  

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

The origin of Kalpa was for the organization of all the extensive rituals described in Vedas (वैदिककर्मकाण्डः | Vaidika Karmakanda). Kalpas are texts classified under the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Shad Vedangas]]. They include the contents directly mentioned in Brahmanas and Aranyakas, presented in a systematic manner, explaining those not mentioned explicitly in the Brahmanas and omitting others not directly related to a particular yajna or ceremony.  

The origin of Kalpa was for the organization of all the extensive rituals described in Vedas (वैदिककर्मकाण्डः | Vaidika Karmakanda). Kalpas are texts classified under the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Shad Vedangas]]. They include the contents directly mentioned in Brahmanas and Aranyakas, presented in a systematic manner, explaining those not mentioned explicitly in the Brahmanas and omitting others not directly related to a particular yajna or ceremony.  

Certain Shrauta and Grhyasutras clearly indicate their composition by a single author without any doubt. They are Shankhayana, Asvalayana, Baudhayana, Bhradvaja, Apastamba, Hiranyakeshi, Manava, Jaimini, Varaha and Varaha; where the authorship of both types of Sutras is ascribed by native tradition to a single teacher whose name is borne by both types of the Sutras. This can be ascertained by the facts such as cross-references to the Shrautasutra and a close agreement of the Sutras on both the vaidika yajnas and grhyayajnas, in language and style observed in them.

Certain Shrauta and Grhyasutras clearly indicate their composition by a single author without any doubt. They are Shankhayana, Asvalayana, Baudhayana, Bhradvaja, Apastamba, Hiranyakeshi, Manava, Jaimini, Varaha and Varaha; where the authorship of both types of Sutras is ascribed by native tradition to a single teacher whose name is borne by both types of the Sutras. This can be ascertained by the facts such as cross-references to the Shrautasutra and a close agreement of the Sutras on both the vaidika yajnas and grhyayajnas, in language and style observed in them.

=== The Four Sutra Charanas ===

=== The Four Sutra Charanas ===

[[Dharmasutras (धर्मसूत्राणि)|धर्मसूत्राणि || Dharmasutras]]  

[[Dharmasutras (धर्मसूत्राणि)|धर्मसूत्राणि || Dharmasutras]]  

शुल्बसूत्राणि || Shulbasutras

[[Shulbasutras (शुल्बसूत्राणि)|शुल्बसूत्राणि || Shulbasutras]]

Some of these four types of texts belonging to the same school were composed by one and the same author in some cases. All the Vedas possess their distinct Kalpasutras, their number being the largest for Yajurveda and the smallest being two for Atharvaveda. The kalpasutras belonging to the Yajurveda are complete (with all the four sutragranthas) whereas those belonging to other Vedas are deficient in one or the other type of Sutras.

Some of these four types of texts belonging to the same school were composed by one and the same author in some cases. All the Vedas possess their distinct Kalpasutras, their number being the largest for Yajurveda and the smallest being two for Atharvaveda. A few kalpasutras belonging to the Yajurveda are complete (with all the four sutragranthas) whereas those belonging to other Vedas are deficient in one or the other type of Sutras. The complete Complete set of Kalpasutras available in the present day belong to that of Baudhayana, Apastamba, and Hiranyakeshi belonging to the Taittriya shaka of Krishna Yajurveda.  

The sutras were either intended by their authors for more than one Charana or adapted to more than one Shaka of the Veda over time. No single shaka contained a complete account of the ceremony and other shakas were often referred to thus came into the existence the Sutra texts. Hence we find references of various shaka authors and their stance on any particular ceremony. Gradually communities coalesced, by adopting a collection of Sutras as the highest authority for their ceremonies, and became naturally inclined to waive minor points of difference in the Samhitas and Brahmanas. Such communities passed on their tradition under the name of the Charana and the Sutrakara who compiled them. This tradition is seen even in the present day where a person is said to belong to a Gotra (the rshi lineage) and Sutra (Baudhayana, Shankhayana, Apastamba etc) which is informed in the Pravara recitation during various ceremonies.<ref name=":8">Mookerji. Radha Kumud, (1947) Ancient Indian Education (Brahminical and Buddhist) London: MacMillan And Co., Ltd. (Page 167-168)</ref>

The sutras were either intended by their authors for more than one Charana or adapted to more than one Shaka of the Veda over time. No single shaka contained a complete account of the ceremony and other shakas were often referred to thus came into the existence the Sutra texts. Hence we find references of various shaka authors and their stance on any particular ceremony. Gradually communities coalesced, by adopting a collection of Sutras as the highest authority for their ceremonies, and became naturally inclined to waive minor points of difference in the Samhitas and Brahmanas. Such communities passed on their tradition under the name of the Charana and the Sutrakara who compiled them. This tradition is seen even in the present day where a person is said to belong to a Gotra (the rshi lineage) and Sutra (Baudhayana, Shankhayana, Apastamba etc) which is informed in the Pravara recitation during various ceremonies.<ref name=":8">Mookerji. Radha Kumud, (1947) Ancient Indian Education (Brahminical and Buddhist) London: MacMillan And Co., Ltd. (Page 167-168)</ref>

=== Vedas and Associated Sutra Charanas ===

=== Vedas and Associated Sutra Charanas ===

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|+Vedas and Associated Sutra Works<ref name=":42222" /><ref name=":4" />

|+Vedas and Associated Sutra Works<ref name=":42222" /><ref name=":122">Pt. Baldev Upadhyaya (1997) ''Samskrit Vangmay ka Brhad Itihas, Dvitiya Khand - Vedang.'' Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Samskrit Sansthan (Pages 56-112)</ref>

!Vedas

!Vedas

!Shakas

!Shakas

|-

|-

! rowspan="3" |Rigveda

! rowspan="3" |Rigveda

|Shakala

|Shakala amd Bashkala

|Ashvalayana (आश्वलायनः)

|Ashvalayana (आश्वलायनः)

|Ashvalayana

|Ashvalayana

|Katyayana

|Katyayana

|-

|-

! rowspan="3" |Krishna Yajurveda

! rowspan="4" |Krishna Yajurveda

|Taittriya

|Taittriya

|Baudhayana (बौधायनः), Apastamba (आपस्तम्बः), Hiranyakeshi (हिरण्यकेशी), Vaikhanasa, Bharadvaja  

|'''Baudhayana (बौधायनः)''', '''Apastamba (आपस्तम्बः)''', '''Hiranyakeshi (हिरण्यकेशी)''', Vaikhanasa, Bharadvaja  

|Baudhayana, Apastamba, Hiranyakeshi, Varaha, Bharadvaja, Vaikhanasa, Agnivesya

|'''Baudhayana, Apastamba''', '''Hiranyakeshi''', Varaha, Bharadvaja, Vaikhanasa

|Baudhayana, Apastamba, Hiranyakeshi

|'''Baudhayana, Apastamba''', '''Hiranyakeshi,''' Vaikhanasa

|Baudhayana, Apastamba,  Vadhula (वाधूलः)

|'''Baudhayana, Apastamba, Hiranyakeshi''',   

Varaha (वाराहः)

Varaha (वाराहः)

|-

|-

|Maitrayani

|Maitrayani

|Manava (मानवः)

|Manava (मानवः) Varaha (वाराह)<ref name=":122" />

|Manava

|Manava

|Manava, Maitrayana

|Manava, Maitrayana

|-

|-

|Katha

|Katha

|Kathaka (काठक)

|Kathaka (काठक)

|

|Kathaka (काठक)

|None available

|None available

|-

|-

|Arsheya (आर्षेयः), Latyayana (लाट्यायनः)

|Arsheya (आर्षेयः), Latyayana (लाट्यायनः)

|Gobhila (गोभिल)

|Gobhila (गोभिल)

|

| rowspan="2" |None available

| rowspan="3" |None available

| rowspan="3" |None available

|-

|-

|Drahyayana (द्राह्यायनः)

|Drahyayana (द्राह्यायनः)

|Khadira (खादिर)

|Khadira (खादिर)

|-

|-

|Jaimini

|Jaimini

=== Comparison of the Sutra Charanas ===

=== Comparison of the Sutra Charanas ===

Here below are a the distinctions between Shrauta, Grhya and Dharmasutras. The Sulbasutras are considered more as manuals for measurements and setting up altars thus their subject matter being completely different is not listed in this table.  

Here below are the distinctions between Shrauta, Grhya and Dharmasutras. The Sulbasutras are considered more as manuals for measurements and setting up altars thus their subject matter being completely different is not listed in this table.  

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|+Shrautasutras, Grhyasutras and Dharmasutras- Contrasting Points<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3">Kane, Pandurang Vaman. (1930) ''History of Dharmasastra (Ancient and Medieval Religious and Civil Law), Volume 1.'' Poona : Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. (Pages 1-13)</ref>

|+Shrautasutras, Grhyasutras and Dharmasutras- Contrasting Points<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3">Kane, Pandurang Vaman. (1930) ''History of Dharmasastra (Ancient and Medieval Religious and Civil Law), Volume 1.'' Poona : Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. (Pages 1-13)</ref>

=== शुल्बसूत्राणि || Shulbasutras ===

=== शुल्बसूत्राणि || Shulbasutras ===

Associated mainly with Shrautasutras, these sutras deal with measurements and construction of the yajna vedi to conduct shrauta yajnas. They are the earliest available texts of geometry given to the world by the Vedic era. Example: Baudhayana and Apastamba Sulbasutras. One of the prime occupations of the vedic people, performing yajnas, required altars or yajna-vedis of prescribed shapes and sizes. Sulbasutras came into existence by recognizing the fact that manuals would be of immense help in constructing such altars. These texts were primarily to assist the adhvaryus in the construction of altars designed for the performance of a variety of yajnas. Thus Sulbasutras are associated with Shrautasutras. Chiti (चितिः) or fire altars are of two types, based on their usage in

Associated mainly with Shrautasutras, these sutras deal with measurements and construction of the yajna vedi to conduct shrauta yajnas. They are the earliest available texts of geometry given to the world by the Vedic era. Example: Baudhayana and Apastamba Shulbasutras. One of the prime occupations of the vedic people, performing yajnas, required altars or yajna-vedis of prescribed shapes and sizes. Shulbasutras came into existence by recognizing the fact that manuals would be of immense help in constructing such altars. These texts were primarily to assist the adhvaryus in the construction of altars designed for the performance of a variety of yajnas. Thus Shulbasutras are associated with Shrautasutras. Chiti (चितिः) or fire altars are of two types, based on their usage in

* नित्यकर्म - daily ritual  

* नित्यकर्म - daily ritual  

* काम्यकर्म - intended for specific wish fulfilment

* काम्यकर्म - intended for specific wish fulfilment

=== वर्णव्यवस्था ॥ Varna System ===

=== वर्णव्यवस्था ॥ Varna System ===

Occupational activities defined by [[Varna Dharma (वर्णधर्मः)|varna dharmas]] were associated with the four varnas that people were born into and followed as a rule in the earlier times. According to the Dharmasutras, Brahmanas (Brahmins) were to practice the occupation of teaching and practicing Vedas, and included the rtviks (priests) and purohits. Kshatriyas were involved in administration, military service and strategy. Trade and commerce, agriculture and cattle rearing were associated with the Vaishya varna. Shudras were involved in carpentry, fishing, hunting, and service to other varna people in various capacities.  Baudhayana Dharmasutras (1.10) and other texts discuss the topics related to varnas and their activities extensively. Here the Gautama Dharmasutra<ref name=":6" />defined activities of various varnas are alluded to as an example. <blockquote>ब्राह्मनस्याधिकाः प्रवचनयाजनप्रतिग्रहाः ॥२॥ (Gaut. Dhar. Sutr. 10.2)</blockquote><blockquote>राज्ञोऽधिकं रक्षणं सर्वभूतानाम् ॥७॥ न्याय्यदण्डत्वम् ॥८॥ (Gaut. Dhar. Sutr. 10.7, 8)</blockquote><blockquote>वैश्यस्याधिकं कृषिवणिक्पाशुपाल्यकुसीदम् ॥४९ (Gaut. Dhar. Sutr. 10.49)</blockquote><blockquote>तेभ्यो वृत्तिं लिप्सेत ॥५७ ॥ शिल्पवृत्तिश् च ॥६० (Gaut. Dhar. Sutr. 10.58-59)<ref name=":6" /></blockquote>Summary: Teaching, officiating during yajnas, and receiving danas (gifts) pertain to Brahmanas. To a Raja (kshtriya) pertains the protection of all creatures, justice, punishment. A vaishya, in addition, relates to agriculture, trade, cattle breeding, and money lending for interest. A shudra may seek livelihood from other varna people, and by working as artisans.  

Occupational activities defined by [[Varna Dharma (वर्णधर्मः)|varna dharmas]] were associated with the four varnas that people were born into and followed as a rule in the earlier times. According to the Dharmasutras, Brahmanas (Brahmins) were to practice the occupation of teaching and practicing Vedas, and included the rtviks (priests) and purohits. Kshatriyas were involved in administration, military service and strategy. Trade and commerce, agriculture and cattle rearing were associated with the Vaishya varna. Shudras were involved in carpentry, fishing, hunting, and seva (सेवा | selfless service) to other varna people in various capacities.  Baudhayana Dharmasutras (1.10) and other texts discuss the topics related to varnas and their activities extensively. Here the Gautama Dharmasutra<ref name=":6" />defined activities of various varnas are alluded to as an example. <blockquote>ब्राह्मनस्याधिकाः प्रवचनयाजनप्रतिग्रहाः ॥२॥ (Gaut. Dhar. Sutr. 10.2)</blockquote><blockquote>राज्ञोऽधिकं रक्षणं सर्वभूतानाम् ॥७॥ न्याय्यदण्डत्वम् ॥८॥ (Gaut. Dhar. Sutr. 10.7, 8)</blockquote><blockquote>वैश्यस्याधिकं कृषिवणिक्पाशुपाल्यकुसीदम् ॥४९ (Gaut. Dhar. Sutr. 10.49)</blockquote><blockquote>तेभ्यो वृत्तिं लिप्सेत ॥५७ ॥ शिल्पवृत्तिश् च ॥६० (Gaut. Dhar. Sutr. 10.58-59)<ref name=":6" /></blockquote>Summary: Teaching, officiating during yajnas, and receiving danas (gifts) pertain to Brahmanas. To a Raja (kshtriya) pertains the protection of all creatures, justice, punishment. A vaishya, in addition, relates to agriculture, trade, cattle breeding, and money lending for interest. A shudra may seek livelihood from other varna people, and by working as artisans.  

A few other related points include the following

A few other related points include the following