The Vedas are considered the oldest Sanskrit compilations.
They were orally passed on through generations before being documented.
There are four types of Vedic compilations (samhitas): Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda
Its explanatory works are called Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads.
Upanishads are also called Vedanta since they complete the Vedas.
Rigveda
This is the oldest and largest of the Vedas.
It is divided into ten books (called mandalas) and has 1028 hymns (suktas) in praise of various deities.
These include Indra, Agni, Vishnu, Rudra, Varuna etc.
It also contains the famous Gayatri mantra and the prayer called the Purusha suktam, that mentions the varna division.
The ancient Iranian text ‘Avesta’ has similarities with Rigveda in terms of language and practices.
Rigveda has mentioned the early indigenous tribes as Dasas and Dasyus.
Yajurveda
It is a collection of mantras for use in the performance of yajnas (sacrifices).
It prescribes the rituals for performing different sacrifices.
It is divided into two sections, the earlier Krishna Yajurveda and the more recent Shukla Yajurveda.
It was documented around 1200-800 BCE.
Samaveda
It Contains the rhythmic compilation of hymns of Rigveda to be sung during worship and performance of yajna.
The Samaveda is widely considered as the root of Indian classical music.
Atharvaveda
It describes the popular beliefs, daily rituals, magic spells and superstitions, diseases and cures of the folk – covers aspects of daily life.
Also called as Brahma Veda.
The important Upanishads are- Mundaka, Mandukya, and Prashna.
‘Satyameva Jayate’ is borrowed from Mundaka Upanishad.