Which term refers to the ancient Indian collection of hymns that constitutes the oldest sacred scripture of Hinduism?

Which term refers to the ancient Indian collection of hymns that constitutes the oldest sacred scripture of Hinduism?

• A. Vedas
• B. Upanishads
• C. Rig Veda
• D. Mahabharata

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is recognizing which collection of hymns is the oldest sacred scripture in Hinduism. The Rig Veda fits that description perfectly: it is the oldest, standalone collection of hymns within the broader Vedic tradition and dates back to the early Vedic period. It consists of hymns dedicated to various deities like Agni, Indra, and Soma and forms the liturgical foundation of early Hindu worship. In contrast, the Upanishads come later as philosophical discussions built on Vedic ideas, the Mahabharata is a much later epic, and the broader term Vedas refers to the whole group of texts that includes the Rig Veda and others. So the Rig Veda is the best answer because it is the earliest complete collection of hymns in Hindu sacred literature.

The main idea here is recognizing which collection of hymns is the oldest sacred scripture in Hinduism. The Rig Veda fits that description perfectly: it is the oldest, standalone collection of hymns within the broader Vedic tradition and dates back to the early Vedic period. It consists of hymns dedicated to various deities like Agni, Indra, and Soma and forms the liturgical foundation of early Hindu worship.

In contrast, the Upanishads come later as philosophical discussions built on Vedic ideas, the Mahabharata is a much later epic, and the broader term Vedas refers to the whole group of texts that includes the Rig Veda and others. So the Rig Veda is the best answer because it is the earliest complete collection of hymns in Hindu sacred literature.