Apastamba and Gautama

Summary

Apastamba and Gautama are two prominent Dharmasastra authors whose relative chronology has been debated. Biihler argued Gautama is the oldest extant Dharmasastra, but this view is contested. Apastamba, likely pre-Paninian, probably lived around 500 BCE, given the linguistic state of Sanskrit and his association with Svetaketu, a teacher linked to the Satapatha Brihmana (dated before 600 BCE). Apastamba’s frequent references to Brihmanas suggest proximity to their era. Claims of Baudhayana’s priority over Apastamba lack convincing evidence, as Apastamba’s engagement with Vedic passages doesn’t prove posteriority. Similarly, alleged references to Apastamba in Gautama’s text are unconvincing. Apastamba’s strict moral code, including condemnation of Niyoga (a practice opposed by earlier sage Aupajaudhani), doesn’t necessarily indicate late origin, as Brhaspati (c. 600 CE) later condemned it. His non-mention of Prajapatya and Paidaca marriages may reflect their uncommon use in his time, not late composition. Stylistically, Apastamba’s loose, Brihmana-like prose contrasts with Gautama’s concise, systematic sitras. Apastamba omits topics like mixed castes and Ugra lineage, possibly reflecting earlier societal conditions. Key distinctions include Apastamba’s allowance of beef and buffalo meat in offerings, which Gautama excludes. These differences, alongside Apastamba’s lack of engagement with later complexities, suggest he predates Gautama. Direct evidence supports this: Apastamba’s vague style contrasts with Gautama’s precision, and Apastamba