A careful study of the Rigveda shows that even in the early centuries, karma and knowledge were recognized as two distinct factors in man's spiritual progress. Karma is connected with the world just above the world in which we live, and knowledge is connected with the world still higher. Agni and Indra are connected with sacrifices, and the gods of the highest world are connected with prayer, connected with knowledge.
Since the Vedic Samhitas are intimately connected with sacrifices, it is quite natural that the gods connected with sacrifices, the gods of the two lower spheres, should be more prominent in the Rigveda. It is knowledge by which the soul can reach the state of infinite bliss. This knowledge is an esoteric knowledge.
The Rishis of the Rigveda developed a highly complex system of philosophy and established the value of knowledge as a means to ultimate freedom from the world of physical slavery. To the student of ancient Indian culture the Yajurveda and the Samaveda are of less importance.
The same positive sentiments are visible in the Yajurveda regarding human life and its future in this world and the other. Material abundance is also quite visible; gold and jewellery are described as freely desirable things, and the cow is mentioned in thousands. As far as culture is concerned, and as far as religion and philosophy go, there is no difference between the Rigveda and the other two Vedas.
What is the basic source of the cultural life of Hindus?
The basic source of Hindu cultural life is the holy Vedas, so that is the answer.
The passage centres on the Vedas as the foundation of the tradition.
It treats the Vedas as the original source of cultural life.
So the holy Vedas are that basic source for Hindus.
This follows directly from the passage's emphasis.
History, the Puranas and Manu are not named as this basic source.
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