Literary Sources
The Vedic texts may be divided into two broad chronological groups
The Early Vedic texts (1500-1000 BC) when most of the hymns of the Rig Veda were composed.
The Later Vedic texts (1000-500 BC) to which belong the remaining Vedas and their branches (Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, etc)
The Vedic Literature can be classified into the following categories :
(i) The four Vedas, i.e. the Rig, Sama, Yajur and the Atharva Vedas and their Samhitas.
(ii) The Brahmanas attached to each Samhita
(iii) The Aranyakas
(iv) The Upanishads.
1. The Vedas
(i) The Rig Veda : It is the oldest religious text in the world and is, therefore, know as 'the first testament of manking.' It is divided into 1 mandalas.
(ii) The Sama Veda : The term 'Sama' means 'Sweet Song' or the 'melody'. In this Veda, some of the hymns are borrowed from the Rig Veda.
(iii) The Yajur Veda : It deals with hymns recited during the performance of Yajnas.
(iv) The Atharva Veda : The hymns contained in this Veda deal with magic and charm.
Question and Answer
Q1. State the difference in the position of women between the Early Vedic and Later Vedic Age ?
Ans :- During the Rig Vedic Period women were respected. The institution of marriage had become sacred. The daughters were given freedom to choose their husbands. The system of remarriage of widows was prevalent. There are no examples of child marriage. The marriagebale age in the Rig Veda seems to have been 16 to 17.
In the Later Vedic Period, there was significant decline in the status of women. Their participation in Yajnas was not considered necessary. The didnot enjoy the right to property. The freedom to choose husbands by women was curtailed.