The document provides an overview of the Vedic scriptures of ancient India. It discusses that the Vedas are considered the most ancient scriptures known to humankind, containing hymns and knowledge on spiritual and worldly matters. The four main Vedas are described as Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva Vedas. Each Veda contains different types of knowledge, such as Rig Veda focusing on knowledge, Yajur Veda on karma, Sama Veda on devotion, and Atharva Veda containing scientific theories. The document also briefly discusses questions around who wrote the Vedas, the language used, the meaning of the word "Veda", and the differences between

1. THE VEDIC PROLOGUE
Vedas – the most ancient scriptures known to humankind scripted in Vedic Sanskrit language has a great
to offer in terms of knowledge and spirituality. Few facts, which are quoted in these texts written
around 2000 BC are so much astounding that they somehow matches with our modern scientific
inventions and discoveries. Vedas are collection of hymns or songs that very rhythmically and
systematically make us familiar with many such aspects of life which we fail to do in our busy lives.
Before getting deep into the inscriptions of these ancient texts, let us know about their occurrence and
classifications.
Vedas are basically the spiritual literature of the ancient Indian culture, written in the Sanskrit language.
They are comprised of a huge collection of books, which include material (mundane), religious
(ritualistic), as well as spiritual (monotheistic) knowledge. The expression, "Vedic" is derived from the
Sanskrit word “Veda”, which means knowledge or revelation. Vedas is a great composition of facts
related to most ancient cultures, timeless relationships and truth, universal facts and divine
incarnations. Composed by sages and seers, or the philosophers and scientists of that age, the Vedas
contain preaching of values and principles related to evolution of human race till the need and practice
of maintaining human values in the course of leading a flawless life.

2. As displayed above, Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda are the four Vedas which holds
information and facts related to the most important aspects of human life. Rig Veda comprises of verses
related to Gyana or Knowledge. These verses refers to the importance of earning knowledge and what
can be the result when an individual gains ultimate knowledge. Vesres and rhymes of Rig Veda
emphasizes on the knowledge factor of both materialistic and spiritual essence and grants equal
importance to both. Yajur Veda unveils the concepts of Karma and clearly illustrates the fact that Karma
or Deeds of an individual is all that is the deciding factor in achieving anything in life. It also states that
no attempt or contribution of an individual in this universe goes in vain. Everything returns. Sama Veda
brims with the need and effects of the Practice of Bhakti or Devotion. It explains that to achieve
anything in life, a proper path of Bhakti or Devotion is required. Atharva Veda consists of various
scientific explanations and theories which were hypothetically examined by sages and seers of that age
and has many practically proved and discovered fact, most of which are certified by our Modern
Science.
Rig Veda
(10589 verses)
GYANA or Knowledge
Yajur Veda
(1975 verses)
Concepts of KARMA
Sama Veda
(1875 verses)
Practice of BHAKTI
Atharva Veda
(5977 verses)
VIGYANA or Science
VEDAS

3. Before taking a deeper plunge into the ocean of knowledge and information as cited in the Vedas, we
must clarify few basic concepts or FAQs on the Vedas like –
Who wrote the Vedas?
The credit of writing the Vedas can never be extended to any particular individual. These oldest
scriptures of Hinduism took textual format after 1900 BC. Until then they were circulated in the society
and transferred to generations by means of “shruti” and “smriti”, which means, hearing and learning or
remembering. In the epic Mahabharata, the root creation of the sacred books is credited to Lord
Brahma. Henceforth, many sages and saints, often said to be “apauruseya” or superhuman, made
significant contribution in giving the Vedas its complete form as we are having now.

4. What is the language of Vedas?
Many often confuse that Vedas must be written in Sanskrit. But that is not the fact. Vedas are written in
Vedic Sanskrit, which is very close to the Devanagri dialects and completely different from the
contemporary and traditional Sanskrit we are knowing and practicing now.
What is the meaning of the word “Veda”?
Veda is a Sanskrit word derived from root word “vid” which means “to know”. Hence, in Sanskrit, the
word “Veda” means knowledge and wisdom. The word has been decoded and decrypted in many other
languages like Indo-European, Greek and Modern Sanskrit and in all forms, the meaning refers to wit,
wisdom, form, aspects and knowledge.
What is the difference between the four Vedas?
The four Vedas, namely, Rig, Atharva, Sama and Yajur were composed at different times in the history of
mankind. Rig Veda is the most ancient and deals with all the paradigms of modes and aspects of
attaining knowledge. Atharva Veda gives lessons related to the good and bad outcomes you can face in
your life according to your deeds. Sama Veda gives information related to the methods and prospects of
practicing Bhakti or devotion to demigods and incarnation of Gods. Yajur Veda has great contents

5. related to science and medicine. All the four Vedas are pinnacle source of knowledge and information in
their respective segments of specialization.
These are just a droplet of information springing out of the endless ocean of knowledge and wisdom
stored in the most Ancient scriptures of the planet, the Vedas. In my next article of the series, I shall
explain you the details of Rig Veda. Until then, we must acknowledge the saints and seers of that time
who preserved the banks of such great knowledge and wisdom in scriptures named as the Vedas.