**The Rigveda: An Overview**

The Rigveda is an ancient collection of hymns and sacred verses that form the oldest text in the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the four Vedas, the sacred scriptures of Hinduism, and is considered a significant religious and historical text. The Rigveda is written in Vedic Sanskrit and is believed to have been composed between 1500 and 1200 BCE.

**Division of the Rigveda**

The Rigveda is divided into ten **Mandalas** (also known as books or cycles). Each Mandala consists of a varying number of hymns or **Suktas** (hymns) that are further divided into **Suktas** (verses). The division of the Rigveda into Mandalas is significant and serves as a structural framework for the entire text. Let us understand the division in detail:

**1. Mandalas**
The Rigveda is divided into ten Mandalas, each assigned a number from 1 to 10. Each Mandala is further subdivided into **Suktas**.

**2. Suktas**
A **Sukta** is a collection of hymns or verses dedicated to a particular deity or aspect of nature. They are composed in a specific poetic meter and order. Each **Sukta** consists of a varying number of hymns.

**3. Hymns**
Hymns, also known as **Riks**, are the individual poetic verses within a **Sukta**. Each hymn is composed in a specific meter and typically praises a deity, expresses gratitude, or seeks blessings.

**Significance of the Division**

The division of the Rigveda into Mandalas serves several purposes:

1. **Organizational Structure**: The division provides an organizational structure to the Rigveda, making it easier to study and understand.

2. **Hierarchical Arrangement**: The Mandalas are arranged in a hierarchical order, with the more important hymns and deities placed in the earlier Mandalas.

3. **Geographical Distribution**: The Mandalas are believed to have been composed by different sages or seers in different regions of ancient India. The division into Mandalas allows scholars to trace the geographical distribution of the hymns.

4. **Subject Matter**: Each Mandala has a distinctive subject matter and theme. For example, the tenth Mandala primarily deals with philosophical and metaphysical concepts.

In conclusion, the Rigveda is divided into ten Mandalas, each containing a collection of hymns or verses dedicated to various deities and aspects of nature. The division provides a structured framework for the entire text and allows for easier analysis and study.

(c) MandalsBecause mandals means books and the question is The Rigveda is divided into 10 books and that is also known as Mandals.