“Veda” is a Sanskrit word meaning “wisdom” or “knowledge.” The meanings are appropriate, since these were the oldest scriptures of Hinduism and also the most authoritative of the Hindu sacred texts. In fact, all later texts are considered to be mere commentary on the Vedas. For Hindus, they are the basic source for understanding the universe. Indeed, the Vedas are regarded as sruti, the products of divine revelation. In addition, the content of the hymns was influenced by the indigenous traditions of the Indus Valley and from legends born of the Aryan warrior aristocracy.