1. Vedas: The four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda) were compiled and written down in the form of books. These sacred texts contain hymns, prayers, rituals, and philosophical insights.
2. Upanishads: The Upanishads are philosophical treatises associated with the Vedas. They explore spiritual and metaphysical concepts, such as the nature of the soul, Brahman (the ultimate reality), and the relationship between the individual and the universe.
3. Aranyakas: The Aranyakas are forest treatises meant for hermits and ascetics who lived in forests. They provide instructions on rituals, meditation, and yoga.
4. Brahmanas: The Brahmanas are ritual manuals and commentaries associated with the Vedas. They explain the intricacies of Vedic rituals and provide detailed guidelines for their performance.
5. Sutras: Sutras are concise and aphoristic texts that present the essence of various disciplines. They cover areas such as grammar, astronomy, law, medicine, and philosophy.
6. Epics: The two great Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, were compiled during this period. The Ramayana narrates the life of Lord Rama, while the Mahabharata tells the story of a dynastic struggle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
7. Puranas: The Puranas are mythological texts that present stories of gods, goddesses, kings, and sages. They contain legends, parables, and religious teachings.
8. Dharma Shastras: The Dharma Shastras are legal and ethical texts that outline social, religious, and moral duties. They include treatises such as the Manusmriti and the Yajnavalkya Smriti.
These books played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting knowledge across generations. They have been studied, interpreted, and revered for their spiritual, philosophical, and cultural significance.