Introduction to the {f}gveda

• CG10.
• The Vedic literature is the principal pillar on which the Indian tradition rests. The {f}gveda, 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 {s}aMhitAs, {b}rAhmaRas, {A}raRyakas, {u}panizads, sUtra literature, etc.
2	What is the {f}gveda? One of the oldest extant literary works of human civilization. Threefold arrangement in azwakas, maRqalas, and anuvAkas.
3	What is a hymn? Types of hymns, topics covered in hymns. A sample: the first and last hymns of the {f}gveda.
4	Types of recitation of the {f}gveda.
5	Overview of deities in the {f}gveda, and the deity {a}gni.
6	Hymn 2.12 to {i}ndra.
7	Hymn 1.25 to {v}aruRa.
8	The {h}iraRyagarBasUkta.
9	The {n}AsadIyasUkta.
10	Other interesting sUktas in the {f}gveda.