Are there any hymns by women in other Vedas?

In one line

The rule

Some hymns in the Vedas were composed by women sages (rishikas), and their names are mentioned as authors.

Let's understand it simply

Imagine your school has a big book of poems. Most are by boys, but some are by girls too. The Vedas are like this. They are old collections of hymns (prayers or songs). Most hymns were written by men, but some wise women also wrote hymns. These women were respected as rishikas (female sages).

How it works

1. The Vedas were made by many people over hundreds of years.
2. When someone made a hymn, sometimes their name was added as the author.
3. Some of these authors were women, and their names are still in the Vedas.
4. These hymns are about prayers, nature, or big questions about life.

The story behind it

The Vedas were created long ago, around 1500 BCE or even earlier. Most people think of male sages (rishis) writing them, but there were also women who were wise and respected. These women, called rishikas, made their own hymns. Their work was included because in those times, knowledge and wisdom were valued, no matter if it came from a man or a woman.

Where you see it in real life

• Rigveda: Hymns by women like Lopamudra, Ghosha, Apala, Vishvavara, and Romasha. Their names are at the start of their hymns.
• Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda: Most known women composers are from the Rigveda, but some hymns and prayers in other Vedas are linked to women or dedicated to goddesses.
• Festivals: During rituals, some hymns by women are still recited.
• Stories in textbooks: You may read about women like Gargi and Maitreyi, who were famous for their wisdom and questions in the Upanishads (later Vedic texts).
• Names in family prayers: Some families remember these women sages when doing rituals.

Why it matters

• Shows that women had a respected place in ancient Indian learning.
• Proves that wisdom and knowledge were open to all, not just men.
• Inspires girls today to study and share their own ideas.
• Helps us understand that history is made by both men and women.

Common mistakes

• Thinking only men wrote the Vedas. In fact, some hymns are by women.
• Believing women were not educated in ancient times. Many were, especially in spiritual matters.
• Mixing up the Vedas and Upanishads: Most women hymn composers are in the Rigveda, but women thinkers are also in the Upanishads.

Remember it

Some hymns in the Vedas were made by wise women called rishikas. Their voices are part of our oldest prayers.