Samaveda Manuscript
Ancient Samaveda manuscript with traditional notations
The Samaveda is one of the four sacred texts of Hinduism, known as the Vedas. It is a collection of ancient Vedic hymns, melodies, and chants, and is considered the earliest known musical composition in the world. The term “Samaveda” translates to “knowledge of melodies” or “knowledge of chants.”
The origins of the Samaveda can be traced back to the ancient Indus Valley civilization, which flourished around 2600-1900 BCE. The hymns in the Samaveda are believed to have been composed during this period and were passed down orally from one generation to another before being eventually compiled into a written text.
The Samaveda is closely associated with the Rigveda, the oldest and most primary of the four Vedas. It consists of a selection of Rigvedic verses arranged in a poetic and melodic form suitable for chanting during religious rituals.
The Samaveda is structured differently from the Rigveda. While the Rigveda primarily consists of hymns praising various deities, the Samaveda rearranges these hymns into a musical format. The verses are organized into collections known as “Ganas” and are classified into two main parts: the Purvarchika (or “first section”) and the Uttararchika (or “last section”).