Q. Consider the following pairs:
Text Meaning
1. Samhita– Main collection of hymns
2. Brahmanas– Forest books
3. Upanishads – Philosophical enquiries
Which of the pairs given above are correct?
Answer: C
Notes:
The main collections of Vedic hymns are called samhitas. The Rig Vedicsamhita is the earliest text. The Rig Veda is dated to between 1500 and 1000 BCE. The Rig Veda contains 10 books.
- Samhitas are ritualistic texts, and they explain the social and religious importance of rituals. Each samhita has added texts called brahmanas, which have commentaries on the hymns and rituals.
- Each brahmana has an aranyaka (forest text) and an upanishad. The aranyakas contain mystical ritual instructions to be undertaken in secret by the sages who live in the forests. Upanishads deal with philosophical enquiries.
Source: Tamil Nadu state board.
