Understanding Vedic civilization necessitates familiarity with its foundational texts, the Vedic literature. This body of work is central to grasping the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of one of ancient India's most significant periods. Vedic literature represents a cornerstone of ancient Indian culture and religious thought, characterized by its oral tradition and vast scope.

Nature and Composition

1.Definition of Vedas: The term ‘Veda’ translates to "knowledge," signifying the literature's role as a source of wisdom.

2.Not a Singular Work: The Vedas do not constitute a single religious document or a collection with a fixed number of texts compiled at a specific time.

3.Evolution Over Centuries: Vedic literature developed over many centuries, enriched and expanded through an oral tradition that saw knowledge passed from one generation to the next.

Classes of Vedic Literature

The body of Vedic literature is categorized into three successive types of literary creations, reflecting a range of religious, ritualistic, and philosophical content: