Ancient History / Vedic Civilization
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The history of Vedic literature dates back to around 1500 BC when Rig Veda got started composing. Vedic Civilization is also known as Aryan Civilization. Vedic Civilization in India got started from 1500 BC and continued upto 600 BC. It can be divided into two periods. From 1500 BC to 1000 BC, it is called Early Vedic period or Rig Vedic period and from 1000 BC to 600 BC, it is called Later Vedic period or Epic Age. During these periods, massive literature was composed including 4 Vedas.
The Vedic literature of India is that literature which was composed and compiled during the Vedic period. Vedic literature includes Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, Vedangas, Upavedas, Itihasas and Puranas. This literature also acts as the literary sources of Vedic period. Vedic literature is divided into two categories, namely Shruti literature and Smriti literature. Early Vedic literature is also known as Shruti literature, which comprises of Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads. Later Vedic literature is known as Smriti literature.
There are four Vedas namely, Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda.
Rig Veda was the oldest book in India and it was compiled between 1500 BC to 1000 BC. It is believed that it is not man-made but was
sent by the God.
Rig Veda contains 1028 hymns (prayers) invoking various Gods like Agni, Indra, Varuna, etc. for gaining of some
material comforts. Out of which "Gayatri Mantra" is the most sacred one. Gayatri mantra is dedicated to the goddess "Savitri".
Rig Veda is divided into 10 Mandalas (chapters). The 10th Mandala of Rig Veda is Purusha Sukta in which one Sloka refers to the
origin of caste system in India.
Purusha Sukta says it was the creator, Lord Brahma, who created caste system from his own body
but from different organs. It says Brahmins are created from Brahma's head, Kshatriyas are created from the shoulders, Vaishyas are created
from the thighs and Sudras are created from feet. It also says the current birth depends on previous birth.
It was compiled between 1000 BC to 600 BC. Yajur Veda contains rituals, a cult in which a single God is addressed. For example, Garbhadhana ritual is meant for childless couple. Praying was to be done only through rituals. Priests would recite rituals on behalf of devotees. So, there will be no connection between the God and the devotee.
Sama Veda was compiled between 1000 BC to 600 BC. The meaning of Sama is Melody. Sama Veda mainly deals with music.
It was compiled between 1000 BC to 600 BC. Atharva Veda deals with superstitions. It believes that Slokas or Mantras can prevent evil spirits and diseases.
Aranyakas are the philosophies written mainly for the forest dwelling hermits and their disciples. They are appendices (concluding portions) to Brahmanas. They can be considered as the bridge between the Brahmanas that talk about ritual sacrifices and the Upanishads that talk about knowledge and spirituality.
Vedangas are limbs of Vedas and are written for how to chant Vedas properly. There are 6 Vedangas in total.
(i) Siksha Vedanga, which covers phonetics (sounds)There are four Upa Vedas.
(i) Ayurveda (Veda about life)There exists two Epics of India, Ramayana written by Valmiki and Mahabharata written by Veda Vyas. Bhagavad Gita is not an epic but it is an appendix to Mahabharata.