Question: Which of the following is considered one of the earliest literary sources in human history?
A The Bible
B The Rigveda
C Samaveda
D The Epic of Gilgamesh
Answer: The Rigveda
Aspect | Description |
Name of earliest literary source | The Rigveda |
Origin | Ancient India, with roots dating back to around 1500 BCE or even earlier |
Structure | Organized into ten books known as mandalas, each of which is further divided into suktas. |
Language | Vedic Sanskrit which is an ancient Indo-Aryan language |
Date of Composition | It is composed around 3500 to 1500 years ago. |
Literary Form | A collection of sacred hymns and verses that are poetic in nature |
Religious Significance | The oldest and most revered scripture in Hinduism, forming the basis of Vedic literature |
Contents | Comprises hymns dedicated to various deities and natural forces, cosmic and philosophical insights, as well as references to early Indian society, culture, and rituals |