Q. Consider the following statements regarding Rig Veda:
- The Sanskrit used in Rig-Veda is different from Sanskrit which is taught today in schools
- More Suktas or Hymns of Rigveda were composed by men in comparison to women
Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer:
Both 1 & 2
Notes: There are four Vedas - the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. The oldest Veda is the Rigveda, composed about 3500 years ago. The Rigveda includes more than a thousand hymns, called sukta or “well-said”. These hymns are in praise of various gods and goddesses. Three gods are especially important: Agni, the god of fire; Indra, a warrior god; and Soma, a plant from which a special drink was prepared. These hymns were composed by sages (rishis). Priests taught students to recite and memorise each syllable, word, and sentence, bit by bit, with great care. Most of the hymns were composed, taught and learnt by men. A few were composed by women. The Rigveda is in old or Vedic Sanskrit, which is different from the Sanskrit you learn in school these days.