Which Veda is a collection of melodies?

Appeared in: HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

The Samaveda is known as the 'Veda of Melodies' or 'Book of Chants'.
Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Sama,' which means song or melody.
It primarily consists of hymns from the Rigveda that have been set to specific musical tunes (sāmans) for chanting during rituals.

Option A: This is the oldest Veda and consists of a collection of hymns (suktas) dedicated to various deities. It is the source text for many of the chants in the Samaveda but is not itself a collection of melodies.
Option C: This Veda is a compilation of prose mantras and formulas used during sacrificial rituals (yajnas). It serves as a liturgical handbook for priests performing the sacrifices, focusing on the procedural aspects rather than musical chants.
Option D: This Veda contains spells, charms, and incantations related to healing, protection, and daily life. Its focus is on magical and folk traditions, distinct from the liturgical and melodic nature of the Samaveda.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Characteristics of the Four Vedas as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the distinct roles of the Vedas is fundamental to comprehending the history of Hinduism and ancient Indian philosophy.
The Samaveda is considered one of the foundational texts for the tradition of Indian classical music and dance.
What if? If the question had asked for the Veda containing procedural formulas for sacrifices, the correct answer would have been the Yajurveda.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key terms in the question: 'Veda' and 'collection of melodies'.
Analyze the names of the Vedas for clues. 'Sama' in Samaveda translates to 'song' or 'melody'.
Recall the primary function of each of the four main Vedas.
Connect the term 'melodies' directly to the Samaveda, which is known as the Veda of chants.
Eliminate the other options by matching them to their correct content: Rigveda (hymns), Yajurveda (ritual formulas), and Atharvaveda (spells).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 2 Part 2 p. 30-32

Practise the full HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.