Question

"Bato batasi...।" Fill in the blank with the appropriate Vedic phrase from the options below:

• A. adhatyam drapsam
• B. yam naiva te
• C. dhirjayat
• D. dohsa divah

Hint:

In the Yama-Yami dialogue, Yami's speech is always emotional, accusatory, and uses 'Bata'. Yama's speech is logical, mentions 'Dharma' or 'Varuna', and is much shorter. This distinction helps in identifying the speaker and the specific verse.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question is derived from one of the most famous 'Samvada Suktas' (Dialogue Hymns) of the Rigveda. The Rigveda contains several suktas written as dramatic dialogues between deities, sages, or mythical figures. This specific line is from the Yama-Yami Samvada Sukta (Rigveda, 10th Mandala, 10th Sukta). This hymn is a cornerstone of early Indo-Aryan literature and is considered an early precursor to Sanskrit drama. It features a dialogue between twin siblings, Yama and Yami, dealing with themes of desire, morality, and cosmic law (Rta).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Yama-Yami dialogue represents a conflict between primal human desire and the newly established social and moral order. Yami, the sister, passionately pleads with her brother Yama to unite with her to ensure the continuation of the human race. Yama, however, serves as the voice of 'Dharma' and 'Rta', steadfastly refusing her advances by citing the laws set by the gods and the fact that the 'spies of the gods' (the stars and elements) are watching.

The specific verse mentioned in the question is Rigveda 10.10.13. This verse occurs at the end of the hymn, where Yami expresses her utter frustration and emotional pain following Yama's final and cold refusal.

Textual Reconstruction and Meaning:
The full line is: "Bato batasi yama naiva te mano hrdayam chavidama।"
1. Bato batasi: 'Bata' is an interjection in Vedic Sanskrit used to express pity, sorrow, or contempt. By saying "Bato batasi," Yami is essentially calling Yama a "weakling" or "cold-hearted." She is mocking his lack of passion and his rigid adherence to abstract morality over her human appeal.
2. Yam naiva te: The blank "yama naiva te" addresses him directly: "O Yama, not indeed [is] your..."
3. Mano hrdayam: These words mean 'mind' and 'heart'.

The full translation of the verse is: "O Yama, you are indeed a weakling! We have found neither your heart nor your mind to be capable of compassion or love." Yami implies that Yama is as unyielding as a tree or a stone.

This Sukta is philosophically significant because it establishes the prohibition of incest in early Vedic society. Yama, who eventually becomes the Lord of Death, is portrayed here as the first mortal who chooses righteousness over desire, thereby setting the path for humanity. For students, identifying these specific "blank" phrases requires a deep familiarity with the 'Samhita' text, as these dialogues are frequently quoted in competitive examinations to test textual depth and understanding of Vedic ethics.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The complete line is "Bato batasi yama naiva te...". Therefore, the correct phrase is "yam naiva te". Option (B) is correct.