What are the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism known as?

The earliest sacred texts of Hinduism are known as the Vedas. These texts form the foundation of Hindu spiritual and ritual traditions, comprising four major collections: the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. Composed in Sanskrit, the Vedas consist of hymns, rituals, and philosophical discourses, and they are considered the authoritative scripture in Hinduism. Their significance extends beyond religious practice; they also provide insights into the social and cultural aspects of ancient Indian society.

The Upanishads, while critical to Hindu philosophy and spirituality, are later texts that elaborate on the ideas found in the Vedas. The Bhagavad Gita is a revered narrative that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata and discusses key philosophical concepts but was composed much later. The Puranas, which contain mythological stories, traditions, and cosmology, also come after the Vedic texts in terms of their development. Thus, while all mentioned texts are significant in Hinduism, the Vedas represent the earliest written traditions within the religion.