The Sama Veda, Samveda, or Samaveda (Sanskrit: ???????, sāmaveda, from "melody" and "knowledge"), is the third of the four Vedas, the ancient core Hindu scriptures, along with the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. Its earliest parts are believed to date from 1700 BC, and it ranks next in sanctity and liturgical importance to the Rigveda.