Question

Identify the meter (Chhandas) used in the famous Indra Sukta (Rigveda 2.12):

• A. Trishtup
• B. Gayatri
• C. Anushtup
• D. Ushnik

Hint:

If a Rigvedic hymn describes heroic deeds, strength, or war (especially Indra-related), and it is found in the 'Family Books' (Mandala 2-7), Trishtup (11 syllables per line) is almost always the meter.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Chhandas (Vedic Meter) is one of the six Vedangas (limbs of the Vedas), and it defines the rhythmic structure of every verse in the Samhitas. A meter is determined by the number of syllables in a verse (Rik). The Indra Sukta of the 2nd Mandala (Sukta 12) is one of the most celebrated hymns in the Rigveda. Composed by the sage Gritsamada, it lists the heroic exploits of Indra, the King of the Gods. Understanding the meter of such prominent suktas is a standard requirement for competitive Sanskrit examinations.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Indra Sukta (2.12) consists of 15 stanzas. It is a masterpiece of heroic poetry, characterized by the recurring refrain "sa janasa indrah" (He, O people, is Indra). To match the grandeur and the "thunderous" nature of Indra's deeds—like slaying the dragon Vritra, releasing the seven rivers, and stabilizing the shaking earth—the sage employs the Trishtup meter.

Technical Analysis of Trishtup:
- A verse in the Trishtup meter has four quarters (Padas).
- Each quarter (line) contains 11 syllables.
- Total number of syllables in a Trishtup stanza = $11 \times 4 = 44$.

In the Rigveda, Trishtup is the most common meter after Gayatri. It is traditionally associated with 'Ojas' (strength) and is the preferred meter for hymns addressed to warrior deities like Indra and Rudra. Its cadence is powerful and rapid, making it ideal for recounting battles and divine victories.

Comparison with other meters:
- Gayatri: 3 quarters of 8 syllables (24 total). Mostly used for Agni and Savitr.
- Anushtup: 4 quarters of 8 syllables (32 total). This later became the standard meter for the Puranas and Epics.
- Ushnik: 3 quarters of 8, 8, and 12 syllables (28 total).

Nearly all 15 verses of the Indra Sukta (2.12) follow the 44-syllable Trishtup structure. The rhythmic drive of this meter helps maintain the intensity of the sage's challenge to the skeptics who doubted Indra's power. For NTA exams, knowing the meter of major suktas like Purusha, Nasadiya (mostly Trishtup), and Agni (mostly Gayatri) is vital.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The meter of the Indra Sukta (2.12) is Trishtup. Thus, option (1) is correct.