Types of Vedas: The topic, ‘Types of Vedas’ is important for the IAS Exam, keeping in mind the syllabus of history subject. Questions might be asked from any type of Vedas in the Prelims or Mains stage. Hence, this article will mention the relevant facts about four Vedas for the civil services examination. Aspirants can also download the notes PDF from the link provided on the page.

Types of Vedas

There are four types of Vedas – Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. One of the best sources of Ancient Indian History is Vedic literature. Vedas have formed the Indian scripture. The ideas and practices of Vedic religion are codified by the Vedas and they also form the basis of classical Hinduism.

Four Types of Vedas Name and Features

The four Vedas and their features, in brief, are given in the table below:

Types of Vedas in Details

Rigveda:

The oldest Veda is the Rigveda. It has 1028 hymns called ‘Suktas’ and is a collection of 10 books called ‘Mandalas.’ The features of Rigveda are given in the table below:

• The Rigveda is the oldest and most important Veda in Hinduism.
• It is believed to have been composed between 1500-1200 BCE in the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Rigveda is a collection of hymns, prayers, and rituals that were recited during the performance of yajnas or sacrificial rituals.
• The Rigveda contains over 10,000 verses, is divided into ten books or mandalas, and is written in Vedic Sanskrit.
• The hymns in the Rigveda are addressed to various gods and goddesses, including Indra, Agni, Varuna, and Soma.
• The Rigveda is also known for its philosophical and spiritual content, which includes hymns that discuss the nature of the universe, the cycle of life and death, and the concept of karma.
• The Rigveda is considered to be the foundation of Hinduism and has influenced many other religious traditions in India and beyond.
• The Rigveda was traditionally passed down through oral tradition and was only written down in the later Vedic period.
• The Rigveda has been translated into many languages, including English, and is studied by scholars around the world.
• The Rigveda is an essential source of information about ancient Indian society, culture, and history. 

Samaveda:

Known as the Veda of melodies and chants, Samaveda dates back to 1200-800 BCE. This Veda is related to public worship. The key features of Samaveda are given in the table below:

• The Samaveda is one of the four Vedas in Hinduism and is considered to be the second oldest after the Rigveda.
• It is believed to have been composed between 1200 -900 BCE in the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Samaveda is a collection of hymns and melodies that were recited during the performance of yajnas or sacrificial rituals.
• The hymns in the Samaveda are taken from the Rigveda and are set to music or chanted in a specific style.
• The Samaveda is written in Vedic Sanskrit and contains over 1,500 verses, divided into two parts: the arcika and the gana.
• The arcika section contains the hymns and is similar to the Rigveda in content, while the gana section contains the musical notation and instructions for recitation.
• The Samaveda is known for its emphasis on musicality and the use of intricate rhythms and melodies.
• The Samaveda is also considered to have spiritual and philosophical significance, with hymns that explore the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual and the divine.
• The Samaveda has been traditionally passed down through oral tradition and was only written down in the later Vedic period.
• The Samaveda has been translated into many languages, including English, and is studied by scholars around the world as a source of information about ancient Indian music, culture, and religion.

Yajurveda:

Stands to mean ‘Worship Knowledge’, Yajurveda dates back to 1100-800 BCE; corresponding with Samaveda. It compiles ritual-offering mantras/chants. These chants were offered by the priest alongside a person who used to perform a ritual (in most cases yajna fire.) The key features of Yajurveda are given below:

• The Yajurveda is one of the four Vedas in Hinduism and is believed to have been composed between 1200 -900 BCE in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Yajurveda is primarily a collection of mantras or verses that were recited during the performance of yajnas or sacrificial rituals.
• The Yajurveda is written in Vedic Sanskrit and contains over 2,000 verses, divided into two parts: the Shukla Yajurveda and the Krishna Yajurveda.
• The Shukla Yajurveda contains the verses in their original form, while the Krishna Yajurveda includes additional commentary and explanations.
• The Yajurveda is known for its emphasis on ritual and the performance of yajnas, which were seen as a way to connect with the gods and gain their favor.
• The Yajurveda contains detailed instructions for the performance of various types of yajnas, including the soma sacrifice, the ashvamedha, and the vajapeya.
• The Yajurveda also includes hymns and mantras that praise various gods and goddesses, including Indra, Agni, and Soma.
• The Yajurveda has been traditionally passed down through oral tradition and was only written down in the later Vedic period.
• The Yajurveda has been translated into many languages, including English, and is studied by scholars around the world as a source of information about ancient Indian religion, philosophy, and culture.
• The Yajurveda is considered to be an essential text in Hinduism and has influenced many other religious and philosophical traditions in India and beyond.

Atharvaveda:

Stands to mean a tatpurusha compound of Atharvan, an ancient sage, and knowledge (atharvan + knowledge), it dates back to 1000-800 BCE. The key features of Atharvaveda are given the table below:

• The Atharvaveda is one of the four Vedas in Hinduism and is believed to have been composed between 1200-1000 BCE in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent.
• Unlike the other three Vedas, the Atharvaveda focuses more on practical aspects of life, including healing, magic, and domestic rituals.
• The Atharvaveda is written in Vedic Sanskrit and contains over 6,000 verses, divided into twenty books or kandas.
• The Atharvaveda includes hymns, charms, and spells for a variety of purposes, including healing, protection, love, and fertility.
• The Atharvaveda also includes prayers for long life, wealth, and success, as well as invocations of various gods and goddesses.
• The Atharvaveda is known for its emphasis on the power of words and the use of mantras and incantations to achieve various goals.
• The Atharvaveda also contains detailed instructions for performing various domestic rituals, such as marriage ceremonies, childbirth, and funerals.
• The Atharvaveda has been traditionally passed down through oral tradition and was only written down in the later Vedic period.
• The Atharvaveda has been translated into many languages, including English, and is studied by scholars around the world as a source of information about ancient Indian religion, philosophy, and culture.
• The Atharvaveda is considered to be an important text in Hinduism, and has influenced many other religious and philosophical traditions in India and beyond.

Download Types of Vedas Notes PDF in English

Download Types of Vedas Notes PDF in Hindi

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By Team Learning Mantras