Describe Rigveda for UPSC

Rigveda is regarded as one of the most sacred texts of Hinduism. It has fascinated scholars and historians due to its significance and antiquity. It is a collection of ancient Indian collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns.

# The Rigveda is divided into ten books which are known as Mandalas

# It is a collection of 10,600 verses and 1,028 hymns

# It is the oldest text in any Indo-European language

# It has originated from early as 1700 BC
The Angiras (rishi family) has composed 35% of the hymns and the Kanva family who has composed 25% of Rig Veda.

# Many verses of the Rig Veda are still used as very significant Hindu prayers and during rituals.

# It contains numerous secrets and clarifications about the origin of the world, the importance of the Gods and a lot of advice for living a satisfying and successful life.

# As per to the Rig Veda, the Universe devised from Prajapati, the initial God and the principle basis of creation.

# The hymns are known as Sukta that were composed to be used in rituals.

# Indra is the chief deity cited in the Rig Veda.

# The sky God Varuna, fire God Agni, and the Sun God Surya were some of the other chief deities who were important in the Rig Veda beside older Aryan deities.

# The God of storms and mountains Rudra, as cited in the Rig Veda is the origin for Lord Shiva, the Hindu God.

# Lord Vishnu who is one of the Trimurti of Hindu Gods was also a minor deity, as mentioned in the Rig Veda.

# The universally famous Gayatri mantra (Savitri) is also in Rig-Veda.

# The varna system, Four-fold division of society, ‘Sudra’, Gamester’s Lament, Purusha Shukta Hymns are mentioned in this Vedic text.

# Rig Veda had the original concept of the caste system which is still practiced in modern Hindu society today.