Samaveda

History glossary

Also called: Sama Veda · Topic: The Vedic Age · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 7 "India's Cultural Roots"; Class 9, Ch 5 "State and Society up to 1000 CE"

Meaning

The Sāmaveda is the Veda of melodies. Most of its hymns are taken from the Ṛigveda. They are arranged to be sung during sacrifices instead of being simply recited. Its chanting tradition is seen as the root of the seven svaras (musical notes) that are at the heart of Indian music. This makes it central to the history of Indian music as well as to ritual.

Example

The Sāmaveda's chants were passed down orally with great care, from teacher to pupil, for thousands of years. Because of this careful oral tradition, UNESCO recognised Vedic chanting in 2008 as 'a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity'.

Don't confuse with

  • Gandharvaveda: a later 'subsidiary Veda' (upaveda) on music and dance as an art. The Sāmaveda is one of the four original Vedas, and its songs are sacred hymns used in ritual.
  • Ṛigveda: provides most of the words. The Sāmaveda sets those words to melody.

Related concepts

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