It is proper and convenient to trace the beginning of the Indian lexicography in the Vedic Nighantus. One should take note of the fact that since ancient times, doubts and discrepancies cropped up in the minds of the scholars regarding the correct meaning of the Vedic texts, specially of the Rgveda. The Nighantus or glossaries were prepared in respect of the rare and obscure words occurring in the hymns. Yaska, the first commentator of the Rgveda has attempted to explain a great number of Vedic verses in his Nirukta on the Nighantus.
In this context it is important and essential to take note of the fact that the seers realised that for correct comprehension of the Vedic texts and thereby of knowledge, supplementary sciences, technically having the appellation of Vedangas were necessary. The Vidya of comparatively lower level, in relation to the supreme knowledge relating to the Brahman, which was regarded as the higher one, has been enumerated in the Mundaka-Upanisad (1.1.5):
Rgvedo yajurvedah samavedo'tharvavedaḥ, siksa kalpo vyakaraņam niruktam chando jyotisam.
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