Vedic Literature: Vedas

Vedic Literature

The Vedas refer to religious texts originating in ancient India and were composed in Vedic Sanskrit. The Vedas are one of the oldest Hindu scriptures and contain a collection of hymns, liturgical formulas, and prayers.

In Vedic literature UPSC notes, we will discuss what Shruti and Smriti Vedic Literature is, the key differences between early Vedic literature and later Vedic literature, along with different types of Vedic literature.

Shruti Vedic Literature

Shruti literature refers to Vedic literature consisting of texts central to Hinduism. It is also worth noticing that these texts are known for their revelations and undoubtful truths. Classic Shruti literature includes all the Vedas, Upanishads, Aranyakas, and Brahmanas.

Smriti Vedic Literature

Unlike Shruti literature, Smriti literature refers to literature that was written after the Vedic period concluded. Smriti literature means literature that is remembered. Classic pieces of Smriti literature include the Upangas, Puranas, Upveda, Tantras, and Itihasa.

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Types of Vedic Literature

Rig Veda

• The Rig Veda is also known as the first testament of humankind and is one of the oldest religious texts in the world
• The Rig Veda was written around 1700 BC and is an example of early Vedic literature
• There are 1028 hymns in the Rig Veda
• These hymns are also called Suktas. The Rig Veda is a collection of 10 books, and each of these books is called a Mandala
• Rig Veda has a total of 10,600 verses, which are covered in 10 books
• The Rig Veda is not a historical account but consists of hymns that should be recited during rituals
• Mandalas, second through seventh, are both the shortest and oldest books

Sama Veda

• The Sama Veda is another example of early Vedic literature
• Sama Veda was written between 1200 and 800 BCE and had 1549 verses
• Sama Veda heavily influences Indian classical music and dance
• Because of this, the Sama Veda is considered a warehouse of melodious chants
• Two Upanishads, the Chandogya Upanishad and the Kena Upanishad are part of the Sama Veda
• While the texts of Sama Veda are larger than Rig Veda, the verses are fewer than in the Rig Veda
• Sama Veda is divided into two parts
• Part 1 has ‘Gana’ melodies, and part 2 has three verse books called ‘Archika’

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Yajur Veda

• Yajur Veda was written between 1100 and 800 BCE
• Yajur Veda means the ‘Book of worship knowledge’
• Yajur Veda compiles chants and mantras that priests offer during rituals
• It is an example of later Vedic literature
• Yajur Veda is of two types- Krishna Yajur Veda and Shukla Yajur Veda
• While the Krishna Yajur Veda verses are not arranged, they are arranged in Shukla Yajur Veda
• The youngest layer of Yajur Veda consists of Brihadaranyaka, Isha, Taittiriya, Katha, Maitri, and Shvetashvatara Upanishad

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Atharva Veda

• Atharva Veda is an example of later Vedic literature written between 1000 and 800 BCE
• The book enumerates the daily procedures of life
• The Atharva Veda is made up of 20 books which consist of 730 hymns
• While the number of hymns in Atharva Veda is few, they are all unique
• There are three Upanishads in Atharva Veda- Mundaka, Mandukya, and Prashna Upanishads

Conclusion

The Vedas together represent India’s cultural heritage. Through their rich language, knowledge and content they have set the cultural fervour of this country. The Vedic literature provides us with a piece of in-depth information about the socio-cultural background, lifestyle, ceremonial rituals, societal regulations and the learnings of ancient India.

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