In Vedic literature, which of the four Vedas mainly deals with the performance of rituals and sacrificial formulas?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the study of ancient Indian scriptures. The four Vedas are Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda, and each has a distinct focus. Examinations often ask which Veda is associated with hymns, which with rituals, which with music, and which with spells or everyday practices. Here, the focus is on rituals and sacrificial formulas, which are central to one particular Veda.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The subject is the four Vedas of ancient Indian literature.
- The question asks which Veda mainly deals with rituals and sacrificial formulas.
- The options list all four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
- We assume standard school level descriptions of each Veda as the reference.

Concept / Approach:
Rigveda is mainly a collection of hymns. Yajurveda focuses on the formulas and prose mantras used during sacrifices and rituals. Samaveda is known for its musical arrangements of Rigvedic hymns and is closely linked to chanting. Atharvaveda includes spells, prayers, and material related to daily life. Therefore, the Veda that primarily deals with ritual performance and sacrificial formulas is Yajurveda. The approach is to recall this standard association from basic Vedic studies.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List in your mind the roles of each Veda based on basic definitions. Step 2: Recall that Rigveda is the oldest Veda with hymns to deities. Step 3: Recall that Yajurveda provides the prose formulas and instructions recited by priests during Yajna or sacrifice rituals. Step 4: Recognise that Samaveda arranges hymns musically for chanting, and Atharvaveda contains spells and practical rites. Step 5: Match the idea of rituals and sacrificial formulas most directly with Yajurveda and select it as the answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, you can refer to textbook summaries that describe Yajurveda as the Veda of sacrificial formulas, often recited by a particular priest in the Vedic ritual team. In many exam guides, a quick matching table shows Rigveda as hymns, Yajurveda as ritual formulas, Samaveda as music, and Atharvaveda as practical rites, which confirms this choice and helps you remember it correctly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rigveda: Contains hymns to deities and is not primarily a manual of ritual formulas, even though some hymns are used in rituals.
Samaveda: Focuses on the musical chanting of select verses, not on the detailed prose formulas used for ritual performance.
Atharvaveda: Includes spells and everyday rituals, but the main technical sacrificial formulas belong to Yajurveda.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Yajurveda with Rigveda or Samaveda because all three are important in ritual contexts. Another common mistake is to guess Atharvaveda due to its association with rituals in daily life. The best way to avoid confusion is to memorise a simple mapping: Rigveda hymns, Yajurveda rituals and formulas, Samaveda music, and Atharvaveda spells and everyday rites. This mapping answers many similar questions effectively.

Final Answer:
The Veda that mainly deals with rituals and sacrificial formulas is the Yajurveda.