Question

Shortly explain the terms ' Vedic Civilization' and 'vedas'

Answer 1

Answer:

The Vedic period, or Vedic age ( c. 1500 – c. 500 BCE), is the period in the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age of the history of India when the Vedas were composed in the northern Indian subcontinent, between the end of the urban Indus Valley Civilisation

Answer 2

Vedic Civilization :-

• Vedic literature is the most significant source of information about the Vedic Civilization.

• The Vedic literature consists of three successive classes of literary creations, namely:

(i) Vedas

(ii) Brahmanas

(iii) Aranyakas and Upanishads

(i) Vedas :-

• Veda means "knowledge". The Vedas formed the earliest segment of Vedic literature.

• The Vedic literature had been evolved in the course of many centuries and was handed down from generation to generation by the word of mouth.

• The vedas are the collection of the hymns, prayers, charms, litanies, and sacrificial formulae.

• Vedas are four in number, namely :

✦ Rig Veda - It is the oldest Veda. It is a collection of hymns.

✦ Samveda - It is a collection of songs, which are mostly taken from Rig veda

✦ Yajurveda - It is a collection of sacrificial formulae

✦ Atharvanaveda - it is a collection of spells and charms.

(ii) Brahmanas :-

• The Brahmanas are prose texts. It describes about the meaning of Vedic hymns, their applications, and stories of their origins in details. Besides, it also explains the details about rituals and philosophies.

(iii) Aranyakas and Upanishads :-

• Aranyakas and Upanishads exemplify philosophical meditations of the hermits and asectics on soul, god, world, etc. These are partly included in the Brahamanas or attached, and partly exist as separate works.

• They, the Brahmans, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads are attached to one or other of the four vedas.

• Compositions of the hymns are credited to Hindu Rishis (monks) of divine origin.

• The vedas are called 'apaurusheya' (not created by man) and 'nitya' (existing in all eternity) while the Rishis are known as inspired seers who received the mantras from the Supreme deity.