Question

Match List I with List II based on the etymologies provided in the Nirukta:
List I (Terms):
A. Mantrah
B. Chhandansi
C. Stomah
D. Yajuh
List II (Derivations):
I. Chhadanat
II. Yajateh
III. Mananat
IV. Stavanat

• A. A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
• B. A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
• C. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
• D. A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV

Hint:

To remember Nirukta etymologies, associate keywords: Mantra with Mind (Mananat), Chhandas with Cover (Chhadanat), Stoma with Shout/Praise (Stavanat), and Yajuh with Yaj (Sacrifice). These root-meaning pairs are frequent in NTA exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Nirukta, authored by Sage Yaska, is one of the six Vedangas (limbs of the Veda) and focuses on etymology (Nirvachana). Yaska's fundamental principle is that all nouns (Namani) are derived from verbal roots (Dhatus). This question asks us to match technical Vedic terms with their etymological roots as defined in the Nirukta. These derivations are not just linguistic exercises but provide deep philosophical and ritualistic insights into the nature of Vedic speech and sacrifice.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The matching is based on the semantic and phonetic derivations provided in the opening chapters of the Nirukta.

1. A. Mantrah - III. Mananat: Yaska derives the word 'Mantra' from the root 'Man' (to think). Thus, a Mantra is that which is produced by thinking or contemplation. Philosophically, it represents the thought-form of the divine. The Nirukta says: "Mantrah mananat," implying that the sage (Rishi) perceives the truth through deep meditation, and that mental energy is crystallized into the rhythmic speech of the Veda. Mantras are the tools of the mind used in rituals to connect with the deities.

2. B. Chhandansi - I. Chhadanat: The word 'Chhandas' (meters) is derived from the root 'Chhad' (to cover or to protect). Yaska explains that the meters "covered" the deities to protect them from death or the gaze of the uninitiated. In a ritual context, Chhandas provides a protective rhythmic structure to the Mantras. The Aitareya Brahmana also supports this, stating that the gods covered themselves with meters to escape the fear of death.

3. C. Stomah - IV. Stavanat: The term 'Stoma' (a typical chant or praise in Soma sacrifices) is derived from the root 'Stu' (to praise). Thus, a Stoma is a hymn or a collection of verses specifically meant for 'Stavana' (praise). Stomas are primarily associated with the Samavedic chants used during the pressing of Soma.

4. D. Yajuh - II. Yajateh: The word 'Yajuh' (prose formulas of the Yajurveda) is derived from the root 'Yaj' (to worship or to sacrifice). A Yajuh is that which is used in the act of 'Yajate' (performing sacrifice). It represents the practical, executive aspect of the Vedic ritual, where the Adhvaryu priest uses these formulas to conduct the physical offerings into the sacred fire.

By matching these, we see the logical structure of Vedic linguistics. A-III, B-I, C-IV, and D-II. This classification helps scholars understand the specific function of each textual category within the Vedic corpus.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct matching is (A). A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II.