Writing in the Rmyaa and Brhmaa literature Dr. R. Rangan The Rmyaa of Vlmki talks about writing.

It talks about the ring studded with the name of Rma. If writing was not there, the name cannot be studded in an ornament. Hanumn says to St, I am a Vnara, O auspicious lady! I am the messenger of the wise Rma. See this ring studded with the name of Rma (5.36.2). Mahodara says, Smeared with the blood, we shall come back pierced with the arrows that are studded with the name of Rma (6.64.25.). Those who make copies of this Rma-epic of the seer by writing with devotion and also make others to write shall dwell in heavens (6.131.120.). These verses are taken from rmadvlmkirmyaam, rmadgovindarjyarmnujya-tanilok-mhevaratrthykhya-vykhy-catuayasahitam (Gangavishnu Sri Krishna das, Lakshmivenkateshvar, Steem press, Kalyan, Bombay, 1867). These verses are found in the commentators rescension which is considered as highly authentic.

Taittirya samhit (one of the texts of Yajur veda) talks about writing. Generally the Mantra portion of the Vedas are the eulogies to the divinities. Brhmaa portion talks about lot of vows and disciplines. In this context Brhmaa talks about the vow that a woman should observe at the time of menstruation. Prohibitions related to the vow of mensturation are prescribed. Those who do not follow the instructions are accursed here. Generally Brhmaa prescribes the complete rest at that time. Those who work are accursed in these ways- One who weaves ropes at that time will get a child which cannot be restrained. Eunuch will be born to the one who spins at that time. In this list there is a statement Bald headed child will be born to the one who writes heavily in the time of her menstruation (2.5.1.) The word pralikhate is translated by me as heavily writing. The prefix pra is translated as heavily here. This indicates that in the period of Brhmaa literature the writing was prevelant even among the women and that is why the text prohibhits them writing heavily at the time of menstruation. Dr. Rangan Ramakrishnan July 18, 2013