Which Hindu text is essential for understanding ancient Hindu society?

The Vedas are foundational to understanding ancient Hindu society as they are the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, composed between 1500 and 500 BCE. They consist of four main texts: the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, each containing hymns, rituals, and guidelines for various aspects of spirituality and daily life. The Vedas provide insight into early practices, societal norms, cosmology, and the philosophical foundations that shaped Hindu culture. They reflect the values and beliefs of ancient Hindu communities and offer details on rituals, social responsibilities, and the importance of dharma, or duty.

In contrast, texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads, while significant in their own right, were composed later and focus more on philosophical ideas and ethics rather than the overarching societal structure prevalent in the Vedic period. The Sutras provide concise aphorisms on various subjects but do not encompass the comprehensive cultural framework that the Vedas do. Thus, the Vedas serve as a crucial key for understanding the ancient societal fabric of Hinduism.