What are the earliest books of Hinduism known as?

The earliest books of Hinduism are known as the Vedas. These texts are foundational to Hindu philosophy, theology, and practice, and they consist of four main collections: the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. The Vedas are not only among the oldest religious texts in the world, dating back to around 1500 BCE, but they also contain hymns, rituals, and guidance for various spiritual practices and ceremonies.

The Vedas are considered authoritative and are regarded as 'śruti', meaning "that which is heard," which emphasizes their status as divine revelations. This distinguishes them from later texts, like the Upanishads, which explore more philosophical and mystical concepts, or the Puranas, which focus on mythological narratives and genealogies of gods and heroes. The Sutras serve a different purpose, often providing succinct aphorisms or guidelines related to specific aspects of philosophy or ethical conduct. Therefore, the designation of the Vedas as the earliest and most authoritative texts of Hinduism reflects their historical and cultural significance within the tradition.