How Many Upanishads Are There in Vedic Literature

This question is quite agnostic because it is really an impossible task to propose some exact numbers which can be universally accepted. Traditional views on this too are quite contradicting and plausibly superficial in nature, but let's delve into the historical facts to understand better.

Understanding Upanishad

The term Upanishad means to sit down near, suggesting a direct and intimate teaching session. Some scholars hold the view that it literally means to sit near the feet of a great teacher. However, both interpretations point to a profound spiritual knowledge shared with a disciple by a sage.

Numbering of Upanishads

As far as the numbering is concerned, there are ten principal Upanishads:

Isa Kena Kath Prana Mundaka Mandukya Taittirlya Aitareya Chandogya Brhadaranyaka

These are considered as the principal Upanishads, primarily because after Adi Shankara, there was a trend to write commentaries on these texts by individuals from different sects based on their understanding of Vedanta. These ten Upanishads are often referenced in various philosophical works and hold a central place in the Hindu spiritual tradition.

Historical Context

According to certain historical records and collections, the number of Upanishads has been estimated in various ways. Prince Muhammad Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, collected around fifty Upanishads that were translated into Persian in 1656-1657 and then into Latin by Anquetil Duperron in 1801 and 1802 under the title Oupuckhat. Colebrooke's collection contained fifty-two and was based on the list compiled in the early 14th century.

Later Upanishads and Classification

One later Upanishad, the Muktika Upanishad, is particularly interesting as it propagates its agenda through a conversation between Sri Rama and Hanuman. This Upanishad contains references to the lost branches of the Vedas and lists some 108 of them, dividing them into categories based on their parent text. This number is significant and often used in Hindu theology, suggesting that it may be more ideologically attractive or interesting to the readers of specific schools of thought.

Uncertainty and Modern Scholarship

The uncertainty regarding the exact number of Upanishads continues to persist. Modern scholars suggest that the number could be as low as 108 or as high as 112, based on different collections and translations. For instance, a collection published by Parimal Publication contains one hundred and twelve Upanishads and their unabridged English translation by Prof. K.L. Joshi. Another collection by Prof. J.L. Shastri published by Motilal Banarsidass Publication includes one hundred and eighty-eight Upanishads.

Sectarian Upanishads and Modern Compositions

There are several sectarian Upanishads dedicated to specific deities or sects, reflecting certain ritual practices. These compositions span a wide range, from the 5th century AD to even modern times. For example:

Allopanishad was composed in the 16th century by followers of Din-e-illahi, a religion of Akbar, who referred to Akbar as their prophet. A Shakt Upanishad by the same name exists, which is quite different from the Din-e-illahi one and faces criticism due to its name.

Shankara and Modern Scholarship

Note: Modern scholars hold that Sankaracarya is not the author of the commentary on the Svetasvatara Upanisad attributed to him, as its writing style and language are sub-standard compared to his other commentaries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of the exact number of Upanishads remains intriguing but partially futile due to the inconsistency in traditional numbering. The history of these texts is rich and complex, reflecting the evolution of Hindu spiritual thought over millennia.