The Rig Veda
Reading Questions

In “The Human Record,” read the introduction to the Indo-Europeans on page 41 and the introduction to the Rig Veda on page 42.  Then read the text of the Rig Veda on pages 43 to 46. Take notes in the margins, underline, highlight, or read out loud significant sections in a way that works for you.  Then answer the questions below on a separate piece of paper, using complete sentences and quotations from the text where appropriate.

  1. How do we know (what evidence do we have) that peoples in Ireland, India and Iran all originated from the same Indo-European culture group?
  1. Who are the Aryan people?
  1. What is the Aryan sacred language?
  1. What are the Vedas?
  1. Do we know when the Vedas were first composed? When were they written down? What do you think that might tell you about them?
  1. Read the first hymn “Victory over Vritra” and the second hymn “Who is Indra?” carefully.  What kind of god is Indra? What does this tell you about the Aryan civilization that worshipped Indra?
  1. Who are the Dasas? What is their relationship with Indra?
  1. Read the hymn “To Purusha” carefully.  What is the purpose of Purusha’s sacrifice?
  1. Do you find evidence for the creation of the caste system in this hymn? If so, where?
  1. Do you have any other observations or opinions about the Rig Veda to share?

 

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