Question

Match the fragments in List I with their corresponding descriptions or completions in List II based on the Nirukta and Vedic commentaries:
List I (Fragments):
A. Kim te...
B. Suprayeva jarbhari...
C. Oshedhe...
D. Avishishtastu...
List II (Completions/Context):
I. Tarfaritu
II. Krnvanti kikateshu
III. Vakyarthah
IV. Trayasvenam

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

Hint:

Focus on "Kim te Kikateshu" and "Jarbhari Tarfaritu". These two citations are the most frequently used examples in Nirukta to illustrate etymological and dual-verb difficulties. Knowing these two usually allows you to solve any matching question on this topic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires identifying specific mantras or linguistic definitions found in Yaska's Nirukta and Vedic commentaries. Nirukta is the Vedanga of etymology, and it frequently cites difficult or "opaque" (paroksha) Vedic verses to explain their meaning and grammatical structure. Identifying these citations is a key part of mastering the Nirukta syllabus.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the fragments based on the Nirukta:

1. A. Kim te... - II. Krnvanti kikateshu: This is a famous mantra from the Rigveda (3.53.14): "kiṃ te kṛṇvanti kīkaṭeṣu gāvo...". In the Nirukta (6.32), Yaska explains this verse while defining the term 'Kikata' as the land of the non-believers (identified with Magadha). The sage Vishvamitra asks Indra what the cows are doing in the land of Kikatas, where no milk is offered in sacrifice. Thus, A matches II.

2. B. Suprayeva jarbhari... - I. Tarfaritu: This refers to the famously difficult and archaic mantra RV 10.106.1: "suprāyevā jarbharī tarfaritū...". This verse is full of dual verbs (Jarbhari, Tarfaritu) that Yaska explains in the Nirukta (13.5). He interprets these difficult words as referring to the Ashvins, the dual deities of healing and protection. Thus, B matches I.

3. C. Oshedhe... - IV. Trayasvenam: This is a common mantra fragment from the Yajurveda (also discussed in phonetic contexts): "oṣadhe trāyasvainam". It is a prayer to the herb (or the sacrificial post made of wood) to protect the sacrificer. It is used to illustrate the interaction between human ritual and natural elements. Thus, C matches IV.

4. D. Avishishtastu... - III. Vakyarthah: This is a linguistic definition found in the Nirukta. Yaska discusses the nature of speech and the meaning of sentences. "aviśiṣṭastu vākyārthaḥ" refers to the principle that the meaning of a sentence is distinct or non-different from the cumulative meaning of its parts, or relates to the 'Akhanda' (indivisible) nature of sentence-meaning. Thus, D matches III.

Conclusion:
The mapping A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III correctly identifies these classic citations and definitions. For the NTA exam, memorizing the 'Nighantu' lists and the primary 'Nirvachanas' (etymologies) and citations of Yaska is essential.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct matching is A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III. Therefore, option (1) is correct.