Hindu text
historic literature of Hinduism
Samhita
the oldest layer of text in the Vedas, consisting of mantras, hymns, prayers, litanies and benedictions
Brahmana
prose explanation attached to the Samhitas (hymns and mantras) of the Vedas
Aranyaka
layer of texts within the Vedas dealing with detailed instructions for rituals
Smriti
secondary Hindu texts, that which is remembered