Known as the Veda of melodies and chants, Samaveda dates back to 1200-800 BCE. This Veda is related to public worship. The key features of Samaveda are given in the table below:
| Features of Samaveda |
| There are 1549 verses (except 75 verses, all have been taken from Rigveda) |
| There are two Upanishads embedded in Samaveda – Chandogya Upanishad and Kena Upanishad |
| The Samaveda is considered as the root of the Indian classical music and dance |
| It is considered as the storehouse of the melodious chants |
| Though it has lesser verses than Rigveda, however, its texts are larger |
| There are three recensions of the text of the Samaveda – Kauthuma, Raṇayaniya and Jaimaniya |
| Samaveda is categorised into two parts – Part-I includes melodies called Gana & Part-II includes three verses book called Archika. |
| Samaveda Samhita is not meant to be read as a text, it is like a musical score sheet that must be heard |