Vedic literature is supposed to be the earliest literature of India. Its language is Sanskrit. The four Vedas namely, Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda form the core of the Vedic literature.
(a) Rigveda:
The Rigveda contains Suktas (hymns) composed to eulogize the deities. The verses in Rigveda are known as ‘Rucha’. A number of Ruchas strung together makes a Sukta (hymn). Many Suktas make one Mandala.
(b) Yajurveda:
The Yajurveda offers an explanation of the sacrificial rituals. It explains when and how the mantras should be used. A Rigvedic Richa, when recited in sacrificial rituals, is regarded as Mantra. The Yajurveda is a combined composition of the Rigvedic richa in verse and the explanation of its use as a mantra in prose.
(c) Samaveda:
The Samaveda is a text that gives the rules of reciting mantras in a musical form. The Samaveda is regarded as the text that is fundamental in the development of Indian music.
(d) Atharvaveda:
The Atharvaveda is about day-to-day life. It contains information about charms and medicines for various problems and diseases. It also talks about the norms of statesmanship.
