Question

Arrange the following fragments to form the correct traditional definition of the relationship between Mantra and Brahmana in the Veda:
A. bhaved brāhmaṇalakṣaṇam (becomes the definition of Brahmana)
B. mantraśca (and the Mantra)
C. anyad brāhmaṇamityetad (that which is other is Brahmana)
D. brāhmaṇalakṣaṇam (definition of Brahmana)
E. dvau bhāgau tena mantraśca (by those two parts, the Mantra and...)

• A. B, A, C, D, E
• B. B, D, E, C, A
• C. E, A, C, D, B
• D. A, B, C, D, E

Hint:

Remember the "Anyad" principle: In any Sanskrit definition of Brahmana, the word "Anyad" (other) is the most important clue. It signifies that Brahmana is defined as whatever is NOT a Mantra. This word usually appears towards the end of the sentence to provide the final conclusion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Veda is not a monolithic text but is traditionally divided into two distinct functional categories: Mantra and Brahmana. This "two-fold division" is foundational to the Mimamsa philosophy and the study of Vedic literature. A Mantra is the core hymn or formula used in rituals, while a Brahmana is the prose text that provides the context, rules, and symbolic explanations for those Mantras. Since the definition of a Brahmana is often elusive, scholars use a "residue method" to define it.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The question asks to reconstruct a standard scholarly verse (likely from a secondary interpretive source or a commentary on the Mimamsa Sutras) that defines these two parts.

The logical flow of the definition is as follows:
1. B (Mantraśca): It starts by identifying the first component—the Mantra.
2. D (Brāhmaṇalakṣaṇam): Then it introduces the concept of the definition of the Brahmana.
3. E (Dvau bhāgau tena mantraśca): It states that by these two parts (Mantra and Brahmana), the Veda is constituted. It repeats "mantraśca" to set up the comparison.
4. C (Anyad brāhmaṇamityetad): Here is the core logical definition: "Whatever in the Veda is other (anyad) than the Mantra..."
5. A (Bhaved brāhmaṇalakṣaṇam): "...that indeed becomes the definition of the Brahmana."

The full reconstructed thought is: "Mantraśca brāhmaṇalakṣaṇaṃ dvau bhāgau tena mantraśca, anyad brāhmaṇamityetad bhaved brāhmaṇalakṣaṇam."

This reflects the famous aphorism of the sage Jaimini: "śeṣe brāhmaṇaśabdaḥ" (The word Brahmana applies to the remainder). This means that after you have identified the poetic hymns (Riks), the melodies (Samans), and the sacrificial formulas (Yajus), everything else remaining in the sacred canon—including the myths (Arthavada), the ritual rules (Vidhi), and the etymologies (Nirvachana)—is classified as Brahmana. This classification is vital for the NTA NET exam as it covers the "General Introduction to the Vedas" section. Understanding that Brahmana is a "negative" or "residual" definition helps students navigate complex questions regarding the structure of the Vedic library.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The fragments arranged in the order B-D-E-C-A form the correct logical definition. Therefore, option (2) is correct.