Definition: Literally meaning "the end of the Veda," this term refers to the Upanishads. They mark the philosophical culmination of Vedic teaching, focusing on Atman (soul) and Brahman (universal reality) rather than rituals.

• UPSC Relevance: The chronological composition of Upanishads (earlier than Puranas) and their content (parables) were tested in the 2024 Prelims