Question

Which is the oldest Veda?

• A. Atharveda
• B. Yajurveda
• C. Samveda
• D. Rigveda

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks about the oldest Veda among the four Vedas in Hindu tradition. The four Vedas are:

• Atharveda
• Yajurveda
• Samveda
• Rigveda

To determine the correct answer, let's understand each Veda briefly:

1. Rigveda: This is the oldest of all the Vedas and is a collection of hymns, praising various deities. It was composed in an ancient form of Sanskrit around 1500 BCE to 1200 BCE. The Rigveda consists of 10 books (Mandalas) and is not just the oldest Veda but also one of the oldest religious texts in existence.
2. Samveda: Primarily a Vedic text for religious chants, it borrows most of its content from the Rigveda, especially for ritualistic purposes, and is based on musical notes.
3. Yajurveda: Mainly a guide for conducting rituals, it contains prose mantras and explanations necessary to perform veda-based yajnas (sacrifices or rituals).
4. Atharveda: Known for its practical wisdom, this Veda includes spells and incantations and is more concerned with everyday life, healing, and agriculture.

From the above explanations, it is evident that Rigveda is the oldest, and it forms the basis for the other Vedas. As such, the correct answer to the question is:

Rigveda

Thus, the correct option is: Rigveda. This is corroborated by historical and textual analysis regarding the antiquity of the Vedas.