In Vedic literature, what type of material is mainly contained in the Yajur Veda, especially in relation to hymns and detailed sacrificial rituals?

Introduction / Context:
Among the four Vedas, each text has a distinct character and purpose. Questions that ask what the Yajur Veda contains are testing whether the learner can correctly associate this Veda with sacrificial rituals rather than general hymns, charms or later philosophical discussions. Understanding this helps to place the Yajur Veda correctly within the wider framework of Vedic religion and ritual practice.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is specifically on the Yajur Veda and not on all the Vedas together.
• We are comparing different types of content such as hymns, spells, rituals, commentaries and legends.
• Only one option correctly describes the characteristic content of the Yajur Veda.

Concept / Approach:
The four Vedas are often given brief labels to distinguish their focus. The Rig Veda is known for hymns, the Sama Veda for musical chants, the Yajur Veda for sacrificial formulas and rituals, and the Atharva Veda for spells, charms and more everyday concerns. The Yajur Veda therefore includes both verses and prose passages that explain how a priest must perform different yajnas or sacrifices. The correct option must capture this close link with ritual procedure rather than general magic or abstract philosophy.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Yajur Veda is traditionally described as the Veda of sacrifices or yajnas. Step 2: Note that it provides prose formulas, instructions and ritual details that accompany the recitation of hymns during ceremonies. Step 3: Compare this with the Atharva Veda, which is associated more with spells and charms. Step 4: Observe that philosophical commentaries belong more to later texts such as the Upanishads, Dharmashastra and Smriti literature rather than to the Yajur Veda itself. Step 5: Choose the option that clearly links hymns with detailed sacrificial rituals, which is option C.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick alternative check is to memorise a simple mapping: Rig Veda equals hymns, Sama Veda equals songs or chants, Yajur Veda equals sacrifice and Atharva Veda equals charms. When exam options are presented, the correct choice for Yajur Veda must refer to sacrificial practice. Any option that emphasises only hymns or only charms without rituals is therefore less accurate than one that connects hymns directly to sacrifice procedures.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is incomplete because hymns alone without reference to ritual use are more characteristic of the Rig Veda. Option B fits the Atharva Veda better, which is associated with spells and charms. Option D resembles later Dharmashastra or social commentaries rather than a Vedic Samhita. Option E describes the style of Puranic and epic literature, not the content of the Yajur Veda. Only option C correctly combines hymns with prose formulas and sacrificial rituals.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners often confuse Atharva Veda and Yajur Veda because both contain prose and can include practical concerns. Another pitfall is to assume that all Vedas are simply hymn collections, ignoring the strong ritual element of the Yajur Veda. To avoid mistakes, always tie the word yajna or sacrifice to the Yajur Veda in your revision notes, so that sacrificial rituals immediately come to mind when you see the name of this Veda.

Final Answer:
The Yajur Veda mainly contains hymns together with detailed prose formulas and rituals for sacrifices.