How many recognised styles of Vedic recitation (Pathas) are there?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Official Paper (Held On: 06 Jun, 2025 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Eleven.

Key Points

There are eleven recognised styles of Vedic recitation (Pathas) in the traditional system of preserving Vedic texts.
The styles of recitation are designed to maintain the purity and accuracy of the Vedic scriptures.
Some of the well-known styles include Samhita Patha, Pada Patha, Krama Patha, Jata Patha, and Ghana Patha.
These recitation techniques have been passed down through oral tradition for thousands of years, ensuring the preservation of the Vedas.
The system of Vedic recitation has been recognised as a part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Additional Information

Vedas and Their Significance:
- The Vedas are the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, comprising four main collections: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
- They encompass hymns, rituals, and philosophical knowledge, forming the foundation of Vedic traditions.
Oral Tradition:
- The Vedic texts were transmitted orally for centuries before being written down.
- The recitation techniques helped preserve their integrity despite the absence of written scripts.
Key Recitation Styles:
- Samhita Patha: Continuous recitation of the text as written.
- Krama Patha: Reciting words in a sequential overlapping manner, e.g., AB, BC, CD.
- Ghana Patha: A complex style that repeats words in specific patterns for accuracy.
UNESCO Recognition:
- In 2008, the tradition of Vedic chanting was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- This recognition highlights its significance as one of the oldest unbroken oral traditions in the world.