Question

Match the Vedas in List I with their corresponding Grihya Sutras in List II:
List I (Vedas):
A. Rigveda
B. Yajurveda
C. Samaveda
D. Atharvaveda
List II (Grihya Sutras):
I. Gobhila Grihya Sutra
II. Ashvalayana Grihya Sutra
III. Paraskara Grihya Sutra
IV. Kaushika Grihya Sutra

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

Hint:

Mnemonic for Grihya Sutras: Rig-Ashva (Rigveda-Ashvalayana), Shuk-Para (Shukla Yajur-Paraskara), Sama-Gobhil (Samaveda-Gobhila), and Atharva-Kaushika. This "R-A, Y-P, S-G, A-K" pattern is essential for competitive exam speed.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Grihya Sutras are a category of the Kalpa Vedanga. While Shrauta Sutras deal with major public sacrifices, Grihya Sutras focus on domestic rituals and 'Sanskaras' (rites of passage) like marriage, birth, and initiation. Each Veda has its own specific Grihya Sutras that prescribe the mantras to be used from that Veda for domestic life. Matching Vedas with their respective ritual manuals is a fundamental requirement for mastering the Kalpa section of Vedic studies.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The traditional association of these Sutras is as follows:

1. A. Rigveda - II. Ashvalayana Grihya Sutra: The Rigveda is primarily associated with the Ashvalayana and Shankhayana branches. The Ashvalayana Grihya Sutra is the most popular manual for Rigvedic domestic rituals. It provides instructions for ceremonies such as 'Upanayana' and 'Vivaha' using Rigvedic hymns.

2. B. Yajurveda - III. Paraskara Grihya Sutra: The Yajurveda is divided into Shukla (White) and Krishna (Black) branches. The Paraskara Grihya Sutra belongs to the Shukla Yajurveda (Madhyandina and Kanva branches). It is the definitive authority for those following the Vajasaneyi Samhita. (Note: Krishna Yajurveda has different ones like Apastamba or Baudhayana).

3. C. Samaveda - I. Gobhila Grihya Sutra: The Samaveda, the Veda of melodies, has the Gobhila Grihya Sutra as one of its oldest and most comprehensive domestic manuals. It is noted for its detail and is widely followed by Samavedic families.

4. D. Atharvaveda - IV. Kaushika Grihya Sutra: The Atharvaveda has the Kaushika Sutra as its primary ritual text. While it serves as a Grihya Sutra, it is also unique because it contains many 'magic' and medicinal rituals characteristic of the Atharvaveda, blending domestic rites with the Veda's protective spells.

By correlating these correctly: A-II, B-III, C-I, and D-IV. This mapping reflects the liturgical schools (Shakhas) of the four Vedas and is a staple question in the NTA Sanskrit/Vedic literature exams. It demonstrates the student's ability to categorize the vast technical literature of the Kalpa Vedanga.

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