Sikh and Zoroastrian literature
India is a very diverse country and hence, home to several cultures. Indian culture is enriched with numerous languages like Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tamil, Telegu, etc., and hence, literature in these languages evolved with time. The word Literature is derived from the Latin word ‘litteratura’ which refers to any form of writing that has some literary merit. The literature is broadly classified into fiction and non-fiction.
Also Read: Sanskrit Literature in Ancient India
Judaism and Zoroastrianism in India
Sikh Literature
The religion of Sikhism is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev and the religion is relatively new, established in the 15th century. Guru Granth Sahib is a sacred scripture that contains the beliefs and philosophies of Sikhism, composed under the aegis of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Gurbani is the composition and hymns of Sikh Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib. There are other important works related to Sikhism like Adi Grantha composed by Bhai Gurdas.
The Guru Granth Sahib is regarded as the 11th and final spiritual authority of Sikhs. This book also contains teachings of thirteen Bhakti saints who were known as ‘Bhagats’. Janamasakhis (which contains mythological and exaggerated stories about Guru Nanak Dev), and Dasam Granth are other important texts of Sikhs.
Zoroastrian Literature
The religion of Zoroastrians was developed from the teachings of the Persian prophet Zoroaster, commonly known as Zarathustra. It was the first religion to believe in angels, a day of judgment, a domestic figure, and a battle between forces of good and evil. This religion went through several reforms during the reign of the Sassanid Empire and lots of texts were compiled during this period.
The most important text of Zoroastrians is called Avesta which is a collection of various texts written and compiled over a period dealing with religious beliefs, practices, and instruction. This was written in the Avestan language which is very similar to the Sanskrit language but now it is extinct. The final form of Avesta was compiled during the Sasanian rule of Iran. Avesta contains a collection of texts that has 72 chapters and is of great importance.
There are Gathas in five chapters of Avesta containing 17 hymns, supposed to be written by the prophet himself. Visperad, Yashts Siroza, etc. are other parts of Avesta. Other than Avesta there are some other important texts like; Denkard (regarded as the Encyclopedia of Zoroastrians), Bundahishn (contains astronomical ideas and theories), Mainog-i-Khirad, Sad-Dar, Book of Arda Viraf, etc.
Thus, the diverse culture of India became a prosperous ground for the emergence of new religions and literature like Sikhism and their texts while no major development was in the literature of Zoroastrians in India.