What are the Vedas?
The word “Veda” comes from the Sanskrit root vid, which means ‘knowledge’. The Vedas are the most ancient texts of India and among the oldest in the world.
There are four Vedas:
- Rig Veda (The most ancient)
- Yajur Veda
- Sama Veda
- Atharva Veda
Oral Tradition
The Vedas consist of thousands of hymns (poems and songs). Unlike modern books, these were recited orally and not written down for centuries. They were composed in the Sapta Sindhava region.
Tip
Did You Know? The transmission of the Vedas was so meticulous that they were passed down for over 100 to 200 generations with hardly any alterations. In 2008, UNESCO recognised Vedic chanting as ‘a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity’.
Vedic Deities and Worldview
The hymns were composed by rishis (sages) and rishikas (female sages). They were addressed to various deities representing forces of nature and cosmic order (ritam).
- Indra
- Agni (Fire)
- Varuna
- Mitra
- Sarasvati
- Ushas (Dawn)
Despite the multiplicity of gods, the early sages perceived a unity behind them. A famous hymn from the Rig Veda states:
Translation: “The Existent [Supreme Reality] is one, but sages give it many names.”
Concept of Truth
In the Vedic worldview, Truth (often synonymous with God) was a central value. The texts emphasize unity among people, calling for common purpose and harmony.
Note
Key Term: Cosmos The world or the universe viewed as an ordered and harmonious system.