Question

According to Manusmṛti, which of the following fishes is suitable for food?
A. Rohu
B. Pathen
C. Jhinga
D. Girai
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A and B only
• B. A, B and D only
• C. A, B, C and D
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

Think of the verse that names pathina and rohita.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall the rule.
Manusmriti (chapter 5, verse 16) lists the fish a twice-born person may eat, mainly in offerings to gods and ancestors. It names pathina and rohita, with rajiva, simhatunda and sashalka also allowed.

Step 2: Check A, Rohu.
Rohu is the rohita of the verse. It is listed, so A is suitable.

Step 3: Check B, Pathen.
Pathen is the pathina (a kind of catfish) of the verse. It is listed, so B is suitable.

Step 4: Check C, Jhinga.
Jhinga means prawn or shrimp. The verse does not list it among the permitted fish, so C is not accepted.

Step 5: Check D, Girai.
Girai is not one of the named fish of the verse, so D is not accepted.

Step 6: Check the options.
Option 1 (A and B only) matches. Option 2 adds D, so it is wrong. Option 3 adds C and D, so it is wrong. Option 4 drops A and adds C and D, so it is wrong.

Final Answer:
Only Rohu and Pathen are in the Manusmriti list, so option 1 is correct. \[ \boxed{\text{A and B only (Option 1)}} \]