The Vedic literature stands as a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of ancient India. Dating back thousands of years, these texts form the cornerstone of Indian philosophy, religion, and literature. For any aspirant preparing for the UPSC examination, understanding the essence and significance of Vedic literature is indispensable.
Vedic literature includes ancient texts from India, written in an old language called Vedic Sanskrit. These texts are some of the oldest in Hinduism and include hymns, prayers, and rituals. When we talk about Vedic literature for UPSC, we’ll cover two main types: Shruti and Smriti.
Shruti Vedic Literature:
Shruti texts are considered fundamental in Hinduism. They are believed to be revealed and unquestionable truths. The main Shruti texts are the Vedas, Upanishads, Aranyakas, and Brahmanas.
Smriti Vedic Literature:
Smriti texts came after the Vedic period. Smriti means “remembered” literature. Some classic Smriti texts include Upangas, Puranas, Upavedas, Tantras, and Itihasas.
Types of Vedic Literature
Rig Veda:
- The Rig Veda is one of the oldest religious texts globally, often called the first testament of humankind.
- It was written around 1700 BC and is a part of early Vedic literature.
- The Rig Veda has 1028 hymns, also known as Suktas, spread across 10 books called Mandalas.
- Each book contains around 10,600 verses.
- The Rig Veda isn’t a historical record but a collection of hymns meant for rituals.
- The second through seventh Mandalas are the shortest and oldest books.
Sama Veda:
- Sama Veda, another early Vedic text, was written between 1200 and 800 BCE.
- It has 1549 verses and heavily influenced Indian classical music and dance.
- The Sama Veda contains melodious chants and is divided into two parts.
- Part 1 has ‘Gana’ melodies, and Part 2 includes three verse books called ‘Archika’.
- It includes two Upanishads: Chandogya and Kena.
Yajur Veda:
- Yajur Veda, written between 1100 and 800 BCE, is known as the ‘Book of worship knowledge’.
- It consists of chants and mantras used by priests during rituals.
- There are two types: Krishna Yajur Veda and Shukla Yajur Veda.
- The Krishna Yajur Veda verses aren’t arranged, unlike those in the Shukla Yajur Veda.
- It includes Upanishads like Brihadaranyaka, Isha, Taittiriya, Katha, Maitri, and Shvetashvatara.
Atharva Veda:
- Atharva Veda, a later Vedic text, was written between 1000 and 800 BCE.
- It deals with daily life procedures and has 20 books with 730 hymns.
- The hymns in Atharva Veda are fewer but unique.
- It includes Upanishads like Mundaka, Mandukya, and Prashna.
In essence, the Vedas encapsulate the essence of India’s cultural heritage, serving as a timeless repository of knowledge and wisdom. They continue to inspire and enlighten generations, providing a profound understanding of India’s rich cultural legacy.
Continue Reading: Ancient History Notes for UPSC 2025