**5.1 The Rig Veda**

The Rig Veda is not only the earliest work of Hindus, but also the earliest work of all Indian European languages and humans. It laid the foundation of Indian civilization built up by generations. Broadly speaking, it is based on a simple life and noble ideas. Some of Rig Veda's prayers, such as the well-known Gayatri mantra found in Samaveda and Yajur Veda, touch the highest point of knowledge and have maintained the human soul. Rig Veda itself exhibits an evolution, and the history of Rig Veda is the history of the culture of that era.
