With reference to ancient Indian History consider the following statement about lsquo Hinduism rsquo...........

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect. All vedas have several commentaries attached to it like Brahmanas.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Aryankas are mystical teaching attached to vedas. Statement 3 is correct. Upanishad were speculations on the human being and his lived reality.

The term 'Vedic literature' simply means literature based on or derived from the Vedas. The texts which constitute the Vedic literature are: 1. The four Vedas i.e. Samhitas, 2. the Brahmanas attached to each of the Samhitas,3. the Aranyakas, and 4. the Upanishads.

The Brahmanas- The Brahmanas explain the hymns of the Vedas. They are written in prose and they elaborately describe the various sacrifices and rituals, along with their mystic meanings. Each Veda has several Brahmanas. The two Brahmanas attached to the Rig-Veda are Aitareya Brahmana and Kausitaki Brahmana. The Sukla Yajurveda is appended with Satapatha Brahmana which recommends 'one hundred sacred paths' (Satapatha). It is the most exhaustive and important of all the Brahmanas. The Gopatha Brahmana is appended to the Atharvaveda. These Brahmanas, in fact, are the elaborate commentaries on the various hymns is Samhitas.

The Aranyaka - The word Aranyakas means 'the forest' and these are called 'forest books' written mainly for the hermits and students living in the jungles. These are the concluding portions of the Brahmanas or their appendices. A strict code of secrecy was maintained over the Aranyakas as it was believed that the contents would spell danger if taught to the uninitiated. And hence they were to be studied in the forest. They deal with mysticism and symbolism. They form the natural transition of the Upanishads.

The Upanishads - The word Upanishad has been derived from the root Upani-sad that means 'to sit down near someone'. It denotes a student sitting under the feet of his guru to learn. Eventually the word began to be used for the secret knowledge imparted by the guru to his selected pupils. Today the word began to be used for the secret knowledge imparted by the guru to his selected pupils. Today the word is associated with philosophical knowledge and spiritual learning. Our nation's motto Satyameva jayate is taken from the Mundakopanishad.

 Note:

Brahmanas were composed by Hotri-priests or invoker (the priest who recites mantras of the Rig-veda at the sacrifices).

 Aranyakas offer the bridge between Karma marga (way of deeds) which was the sole concern of the Brahmanas and the jnana marga (way of knowledge) which the Upanishads advocated.

Upanishads are also called Vedanta (the end of the Veda) firstly, because they denote the last phase of the Vedic period and secondly, because they reveal the final aim of the Veda.