Early Vedic Literature

Vedic literature is divided into two namely shruti and smriti. It is believed that the Shruti was revealed to the sages by God and they passed on that knowledge orally from generation to generation.On the other hand Smriti literature was composed by the Rishis.

The Vedic literature can be classified into the following categories:-

1. The four Vedas, i.e.,the Rig, Sama,Yajur and Atharva Vedas and their Samhitas.

2. The Brahmanas attached to each Samhita.

3. The Aranyakas

4. The Upanishad

The Vedas

1.The Rig Veda: It is the oldest religious text in the world and is therefore, known as the first testament of mankind'. It is divided into 10 mandalas. It is said to have been composed during the early Vedic Period. The hymns are dedicated by the sages to Gods. They were passed on orally from teachers to their disciples.

The Rig Vedic hymns are the authentic sources of knowledge of the life of people of the time.

Much of the Indian philosophy is based on the Rig Veda. It also contains the famous Gayatri mantra'. Although religious in nature, the Vedas are a valuable source of information on various subjects.

2. The Sama Veda: The term, 'Sama' means Sweet Song' or 'the melody' In this Veda, some of the hymns are borrowed from the Rig Veda.The hymns in Sama Veda were meant to be sung at the time of the sacrifice by the priests.

3. The Yajur Veda: It deals with hymns recited during the performance of Yajnas. The hymns in this Veda throw light on the social and religious life of the Aryans.

4. The Atharva Veda: The hymns contained in this Veda deal with magic and charm. Most of the hymns are taken from the Rig Veda.

Besides the powers of spirits, the hymns deal with gyan (knowledge), karma (action) and upasana (invocation) Some hymns also deal with medicines for the treatment of various diseases.

The Brahmanas

Written after the Vedas as their simple commentary, the Brahmanas are in prose. They explain the social and religious importance of rituals as well as the value of sacrifice. The Brahmanas are of great historical value Each Veda has several Brahmanas.

The Aranyakas

 They are known as forest books' written for the guidance of the hermits and the students living in forests. They form the concluding part of the Brahmanas. Their main themes are mysticism and philosophy.

The Upanishads 

They are philosophical commentaries on the Vedas. The doctrines such as Karma Moksha and Maya are explained in detail The Upanishads form the basic source af Indian philosophy. Composed by different sages, they are said to form the foundation on which later additions to Vedic Literature rest. The most famous of these Upanishads are Chandogya Upanishad, Kena Upanishad,

Aitareya Upanishad and Taittiriya Upanishad.