A primer on Vedic/Hindu scripturology for the reference of skeptics - Introduction

Most Hindus and especially those who occupy higher echelons of the caste and class hierarchy of the Hindu society, mostly in India, as also in some western nations with a significant Hindu Diaspora, take great and almost fanatical pride in their scriptures or guide-books of their religion.  

When I mentioned most Hindus, I implied the ones that were not destitute, sorely underprivileged, neglected, condemned and ostracized by the mainstream Hindu society, which ones run into many millions and are called Sudras, Dalits, scheduled castes and other such names and classifications. The opinion leaders of Hinduism, its defenders and apologists exist and thrive in the mainstream, middle-class and upper crust of the Hindu society and are the most vocal votaries and adherents of the Vedic and post-Vedic Hindu scriptures. This part of the Hindu society consists of the Brahmins, Kshatriyas and the Vaisyas along with their innumerable castes, sub-castes, sects and groupings. While there is a caste-based hierarchy and class gradations within these three large Hindu castes, with their own contentions, disputes, jealousies and animosities, they have over the centuries made some peace among themselves at the expense of the fourth and the most populous caste or group, the Sudras/Dalits, relegating them to civilizational darkness and oblivion. 

While Brahmins have mostly authored the Vedic/Hindu scriptures, the Kshatriyas and Vaisyas too have benefited from its canons, sacraments and edicts, though not to the same extent and degree as the super-caste of the Brahmins. But these scriptures through their evolution have bestowed many benefits on these two to the almost complete exclusion and isolation of the Sudras/Dalits. So when Brahmin intelligentsia glorify these scriptures, Kshatriyas and Vaisyas are not far behind in their approval, applause and emulation. Effectively the sizable literate and privileged part of the Hindu society made up of the three upper castes or dwijas (twice-born) of Brahmins,  Kshatriyas and Vaisyas, though an overall minority, represent the visible and articulate face of Hindu mainstream society the world over. 

On the broad shoulders of this part of the elitist Hindu society, rests the burden of the claims of the so-called excellence, greatness, eternity, purity and sublimity of these impugned scriptures. And they leave no stone un-turned in singing and preaching its ‘eternal’ glory to their choir and beyond. 

Just like any other social class, the Hindus also make a big deal of their scriptures. But what are these scriptures, what do they consist of and how well and what do Hindus know about their own scriptures are questions that need to be looked into deeply and critically. 

We will attempt to look into these in subsequent posts.