UPSC Express

The most important of Vedic literature are

a       Samhitas
b       Brahamans
c       Aranyakas
d       Upanishads
Explanation:

Solution (a)

The Vedas are said to have been passed on from one generation to the next through verbal transmission and are, therefore, also known as Shruti (to hear) or revelation. The term Vedic literature means the four Vedas in their Samhita and the allied literature based on or derived from the Vedas. We classify the Vedic literature into the following categories:

The four Vedas i.e. the Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva and their Samhitas.
The Brahmanas attached to each Samhita.
The Aranyakas.
The Upanishads.
Do you know?

Samhitas are also known as ‘Vedas’ are the most important of the Vedic literature.

The basic material or mantra text of each of the Vedas is called “Samhita”. Some post Vedic texts are also known as “Samhitas” such as Ashtavakra Gita, Bhrigu Samhita, Brahma Samhita, Deva Samhita, Garga Samhita, Kashyap Samhita, Shiva Samhita and Yogayajnavalkya Samhita. Samhita literally means “compilation” of Suktas (Hymns).

Vedas are called ‘Apauresheya’ i.e. not created by man but God-gifted and Nitya i.e. existing in all eternity.