Timeless Treasures: The Seven Oldest Books That Shaped Indian Civilization

Samridhi Garg

Vedas

Date: Approximately 1500-500 BCE The Vedas are the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, comprising four collections that contain hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings.

Upanishads

Date: Approximately 800-400 BCE  Philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate truth (Brahman), forming the basis of much of Hindu philosophy.

Ramayana

Date: Composed between the 7th and 4th centuries BCE  An epic poem attributed to Valmiki, detailing the life and adventures of Prince Rama, including his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.

Ramayana

Mahabharata

Date:  Composed over several centuries, with the oldest parts dating back to around 400 BCE One of the longest epic poems in the world, narrating the Kurukshetra War and featuring the Bhagavad Gita, a key philosophical dialogue.

Arthashastra

Date: Approximately 4th century BCE  An ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, attributed to the scholar Chanakya (Kautilya).

Puranas

Date: dates back to around 300 BCE A genre of ancient Indian texts that contain mythological narratives, traditions, and legends about gods, goddesses, and heroes.

Panchatantra

Date: Approximately 200 BCE A collection of ancient Indian fables and moral stories, using animal characters to convey practical wisdom and ethical lessons.