Definition: Vedic literature refers to the earliest texts found in India, four books written in the Sanskrit language. Together they contain the basis for the Hindu religion. The four books are the Rig Veda (or Rgveda), Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. The earliest of the four was the Rig Veda, probably first composed about 1500 BC, and codified between about 1200 and 800 BC, based on linguistic examination of the Sanskrit.
Some scholars such as Stephan Levitt, however, believe the Rig Veda may be even older, with some hymns written as early as the fourth millennium BC. Levitt bases this on comparative similarities between the veda and documents from Mesopotamia.
Some scholars such as Stephan Levitt, however, believe the Rig Veda may be even older, with some hymns written as early as the fourth millennium BC. Levitt bases this on comparative similarities between the veda and documents from Mesopotamia.
Source
Levitt, Stephan H. 2003 The dating of the Indian tradition. Anthropos 98(2):341-359.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
