Q.1. Give an account of the Vedic literature.

Vedic literature forms the foundation of Hinduism and is among the oldest religious scriptures in the world. It is composed of texts written in Vedic Sanskrit and includes:

• The Vedas: These are the primary texts of Vedic literature, consisting of four collections – Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. Each Veda has four subdivisions: the Samhitas (mantras and benedictions), the Brahmanas (commentaries on rituals and ceremonies), the Aranyakas (texts on rituals and symbolic sacrifices), and the Upanishads (discussions on meditation, philosophy, and spiritual knowledge).
• Shruti Literature: This category includes the Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. ‘Shruti’ means ‘to hear’ and refers to texts that are considered canonical, consisting of revelation and unquestionable truth, and are thought to be eternal.
• Smriti Literature: These texts are ‘remembered’ and include the Vedanga, Puranas, Epics, Dharmashastra, and Nitishastra. Smriti literature is supplementary and may change over time. It encompasses the post-Vedic Classical Sanskrit literature.

The Vedic literature is not only religious but also contains philosophical, scientific, and practical knowledge. It has been orally transmitted for centuries and is considered sacred by Hindus, embodying a complex system of knowledge that has influenced Indian culture and society profoundly.