Vedas

Vedas (Sanskrit, “knowledge”), most ancient of Indian scriptures, believed to have been inspired by God and basic to Hinduism. There are 4 Samhitas or collections of mantras (hymns)—the Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva-Veda. The oldest may date from 1500 B.C. Vedic literature consists of the Veda itself, the Brahmanas and Aranyakas, and the Upanishads.

See also: Hinduism.