Question

Indian social thought begins with

• A. Upanishad
• B. Gita
• C. Ramayana
• D. Vedas

Hint:

Remember the chronological hierarchy of key Hindu texts: Vedas (oldest, foundational) → Upanishads (philosophical part of Vedas) → Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata (which contains the Gita).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the foundational texts from which Indian social thought and philosophy originate. This requires knowledge of the chronological order and content of ancient Indian scriptures.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- The Vedas are the oldest scriptures of Hinduism and are considered the most ancient body of literature from India. They date back to as early as 1500 BCE.
- They contain hymns, philosophical treatises, and rituals that lay the groundwork for Indian social structure, customs, and thought. For instance, the 'Purusha Sukta' in the Rigveda provides an early mythological basis for the Varna system.
- The Upanishads, Ramayana, and Bhagavad Gita are all later texts that developed and expanded upon the philosophical and social ideas first presented in the Vedas. The Upanishads form the philosophical part of the Vedas (Vedanta), but the Vedas as a whole come first.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Indian social thought begins with the Vedas, as they are the earliest and most foundational texts.