Which ancient text is described as a collection of non-speculative hymns representative of the Aryan religious spirit, often compared to the Psalms?

• A. Upanishads
• B. Mahabharata
• C. Rigveda
• D. Ramayana

Answer: (C)

Recognizing a text that is a collection of ritual hymns reflecting early Aryan religious life. This is the Rigveda, the oldest of the Vedas, a compilation of hymns (suktas) addressed to various gods such as Indra, Agni, and Soma, used in Vedic sacrifices. Its tone is devotional and ritual rather than philosophical, offering prayers and praise rather than debates about ultimate reality. Because of its function as a liturgical songbook, it’s often likened to the Psalms in the Bible, in contrast to other works that are narrative or philosophical. The Upanishads focus on metaphysical questions about Brahman and Atman; the Mahabharata and Ramayana are long poems that tell stories of heroes and moral dilemmas. So the hymn collection that best matches the description is the Rigveda.