Correct Option
The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Rig Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas, consisting of over a thousand hymns known as Suktas ("well-said"). These hymns were composed in praise of various deities and provide insights into the socio-cultural life of the early Vedic period.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: While the vast majority of Vedic hymns were composed by men, they were not composed exclusively by them. Several women sages, known as Rishikas or Brahmavadinis, also composed hymns. Prominent examples include Lopamudra, Vishwavara, Sikata, Nivavari, and Ghosha.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The Vedic system of education was strictly oral. Priests and teachers taught students to memorize the hymns with rigorous precision by reciting each syllable, word, and sentence. This method ensured the preservation of the text's purity over generations.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Vedas are classified as Shruti ("that which is heard"). For centuries, these hymns were preserved solely through oral tradition and memorization. They were written down in manuscript form much later, several centuries after their initial composition and compilation.
Key Takeaway: The Rig Veda is a collection of orally transmitted hymns (Shruti) composed mostly by men but with significant contributions from women sages (Rishikas). Writing was not used for their initial preservation.