Introduction to the R̥gveda

• CG10.
• The Vedic literature is the principal pillar on which the Indian tradition rests. The R̥gveda, being one of the most ancient extant literary works and being of great historical and linguistic significance, has always been a worthy subject of research for scholars worldwide. Various fascinating aspects of this work will be dealt with in the course. Though designed for a general audience interested in literature in general or in Sanskrit literature in particular, the course may also be of interest to students in an academic program in Sanskrit.
• Instructor: Tanuja P. Ajotikar.
• Schedule: 10th September – 19th November 2022.
• Course meeting times: Saturday 9:30–10:30am U.S. Central Time (8:00–9:00pm IST; 9:00–10:00pm IST after 6th November 2022).
• Prerequisite: None.
• Course fee: $300.
• Course fee for residents of India: ₹3,000.
• Register.
• Register (residents of India).

Lecture	Topic
1	What is Veda? Various meanings of the word veda. The extent of the Vedic literature. The four Saṁhitās, Brāhmaṇas, Āraṇyakas, Upaniṣads, sūtra literature, etc.
2	What is the R̥gveda? One of the oldest extant literary works of human civilization. Threefold arrangement in aṣṭakas, maṇḍalas, and anuvākas.
3	What is a hymn? Types of hymns, topics covered in hymns. A sample: the first and last hymns of the R̥gveda.
4	Types of recitation of the R̥gveda.
5	Overview of deities in the R̥gveda, and the deity Agni.
6	Hymn 2.12 to Indra.
7	Hymn 1.25 to Varuṇa.
8	The Hiraṇyagarbhasūkta.
9	The Nāsadīyasūkta.
10	Other interesting sūktas in the R̥gveda.