Ancient Indian Literature

Which is the Oldest Veda? | Rig Veda Facts

The Rig Veda is the oldest Veda, composed around 1500-1000 BCE, and contains hymns in praise of various deities.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class 6 - Our Pasts I

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Which one of the following is oldest Veda?

[Uttarakhand P.C.S. Prelims 2010]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


The Vedic corpus consists of four texts, with the earliest representing the first literary work of the Indo-Aryans in India.

Authentic Source Evidence

The Rig Veda is dated by most scholars to c. 1500–1000 BCE. It is a collection of 1,028 hymns (Suktas) organized into 10 books (Mandalas).

Analytical Breakdown


  • Rig Veda (B): The 'Veda of Praise', the foundation of all subsequent Vedic literature.

  • Others: Samaveda and Yajurveda followed shortly after, while the Atharvaveda was the last to be included in the 'Trayi' (Vedic triad).
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Which part of the Rig Veda is considered the oldest?"

    Mandalas 2 through 7 (known as the Family Books) are considered the oldest core of the Rig Veda.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The Rig Veda is not just a religious text but a historical record of the early social and political life of the Indo-Aryan tribes."

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    Mandala 2
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