Many of us remember poetry, equations, values, quotes etc. especially in our student days. Some are forgotten as we go along in life as they are not really needed and are not refreshed in our mind. Some, for no apparent reason, stick on for decades, and can be recited instantly - perhaps even when we are asleep.
And then we have persons whose careers depend on memory - actors in plays for example. Teachers, journalists and others too might require a fantastic memory.
But collective memory? We have the National Anthem of our country which we all remember - exactly as it is sung. We remember the words and the tune. Take a group of random people of the country and they will be able to sing the National Anthem quite easily. Then we have songs that we love. In India especially, songs from movies are remembered even after generations. But that is an individual effort.
Ever thought that if an attempt was made to learn, by rote, say a whole chapter - could it be done successfully? And for what length of time can this memory last - absolutely accurately? And what if this had to be done when the written text was not available? Think please. Seems well near impossible doesn't it?
Well it can be done and has been done. Several texts - the Rig Ved (or Rig Veda as it is more commonly known) has several parts - the first of which is known as the Sanhita (Samhita). I downloaded it and it ran into approx. 600 A4 size print pages This was composed by various sages, easily at least 3000 years ago, well before the written word was available. And this (alongwith other texts) was passed down, through sheer memory alone by various schools over at least a thousand years. Ultimate collation found no (significant) difference over what was recited by the various schools. Incredible isn't it? UNESCO too has recognised this tradition of Vedic chant a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
India is home to a lot which seems unbelievable, yet is true. Incredible India!.
I have given more details in my book Our Heritage Revisited : A glimpse into ancient Indian texts
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