Question

Which of the following literature is known as Apaurusheya?
(A) Vedas
(B) Brahmana
(C) Upanishad
(D) Aranyaka

Answer 1

Hint: Apaurusheya is a principal concept in the Vedanta and Mimamsa schools of Indian philosophy. It includes the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. Apaurusheya simply means ‘unauthored’.

Complete answer: Since Vedas are the large bodies of Sanskrit religious text which is unauthored by a particular writer, it is known as Apaurusheya. Vedas were grasped by the Rishis within their in-depth cognisance and meditation. Apaureshaya is anything which is written not by man, but by an impersonal superhuman source. There are four Vedas in the Vedic literature comprising of Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. Samhitas are the mantra texts of each of the Vedas.

Option (A): Vedas are valid by themselves. It is through verbal transmission from one generation to the next, Vedas are said to have passed on. Thus they are also called as Shruti. The Samhita, Brahmana, Upanishad and Aranyaka are categories within the Vedas. Since they are not written specifically by an author, it is Apaurusheya. This is the correct option.
Option (B): The prose texts which explain the hymns in the Vedas are the Brahmanas. Brahmanas are also the classification of Sanskrit texts within each Veda that describes and instructs Brahmins regarding the performance of Vedic rituals. This option is incorrect.
Option (C): Upanishads constitute texts of philosophical narratives and spiritual knowledge that originated from each branch of Vedas. This option is incorrect.
Option (D): Aranyakas explains the ritual sacrifices and observances in philosophical and symbolic ways. This option is incorrect.
Thus the option (A) is correct.

Note: Vedas are what is heard, thus known as Shruti whereas other religious texts are based on what is remembered, thus called Smriti. Shruti literature consists of revelations and unquestionable truth and has an eternal nature. Smriti literature is supplementary and has an alterable nature. It was Max Muller, the Indologist who adopted this indigenous categorization.