Target Exam

CUET

Subject

General Aptitude Test

Chapter

General Knowledge

Topic

Ancient History

Question:

Which is the following is the correct chronological order of the four vedas viz Sama Veda, Atharva Veda, Rig Veda and Yajurveda?

Options:

Atharvaveda, Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajurveda

Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda

Rig Veda, Atharvaveda, Sama Veda, Yajurveda

Rig Veda, Atharvaveda, Sama Veda, Yajurveda

Correct Answer:

Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option 2- Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda

 

The Vedas are a vast collection of ancient religious texts, considered the foundational texts of Hinduism. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, they are considered the oldest surviving Indo-Aryan literature. They are revered as Shruti, meaning "that which is heard".

The Vedas comprise four major collections:
Rigveda: A collection of hymns praising various deities.
Samaveda: A collection of melodies used in rituals.
Yajurveda: A collection of formulas used by priests during rituals.
Atharvaveda: A collection of spells and charms for various purposes.

 

The generally accepted order is:

  1. Rigveda: The oldest of the Vedas, composed around 1500–1200 BCE. It is the primary and earliest text among the Vedic scriptures.
  2. Sama Veda: Composed around the same time or slightly after the Rigveda, approximately 1200–1000 BCE. It focuses on the melodies and chants used in rituals.
  3. Yajur Veda: Composed around 1200–800 BCE. It contains instructions for rituals and sacrificial ceremonies.
  4. Atharva Veda: The latest of the Vedas, composed around 1200–1000 BCE, though some parts may be somewhat younger. It includes a wide range of material, including spells and charms.

While exact dates can be hard to pin down due to the ancient and evolving nature of these texts, this sequence provides a general understanding of their historical development.