UPAVEDAS

The Upavedas are derived from the Vedas and are specific applications of the teachings of the Vedas. The term upaveda ("secondary knowledge") is used in traditional literature to designate the subjects of certain technical works. They have no relation to the Vedas, except as subjects worthy of study despite their secular character. Lists of what subjects are included in this class differ among sources. The Charanavyuha mentions four Upavedas:

The main Upavedas are:

1. Ayurveda

Indian healing system, it lays more stress on living with nature instead of fighting it, hence preventive instead of corrective medicine. Medicine (Ayurveda), associated with the Rigveda.

2. Dhanur Veda

Martial arts.Ayurveda and Dhanurveda have points in common. They both work with Marma, or natural Pran(Life Energy) that flows in the body. Ayruveda heals the body, while Dhanurveda is used for defending the body. This concept is also known to Chinese as Acupuncture and related Chinese Martial Arts. Archery (Dhanurveda), associated with the Yajurveda.

3. Stahapatya Veda

Architecture, sculpture and geomancy. Used especially for Temple design. (Shastrashastra), associated with the Atharvaveda.

4. Gandharv Veda

Music, poetry and dance.Some other fields like Jyotish(Indian Astrology), Tantra(based on the Puranas, which are in turn based on Vedas), Shiksha and Vyakara(Grammar and pronunciation) are also based on the Vedas. Music and sacred dance (Gandharvaveda), associated with the Samaveda.