Question

Match the Vedas in List I with their corresponding primary Brahmanas in List II:
List I (Vedas):
A. Atharvaveda
B. Samaveda
C. Yajurveda
D. Rigveda
List II (Brahmanas):
I. Tandya Brahmana
II. Shatapatha Brahmana
III. Aitareya Brahmana
IV. Gopatha Brahmana

• A. A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
• B. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
• C. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III (Duplicate option?) No, wait.
• D. A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV

Hint:

To remember this forever: "Rig-Ait" (Rig-Aitareya), "Yaj-Shat" (Yajur-Shatapatha), "Sama-Tan" (Sama-Tandya), and "Athar-Go" (Atharva-Gopatha). These short word-pairs will never fail you.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Brahmanas are prose texts that describe the ritualistic application of the Vedic mantras. Each of the four Vedas has its own specific Brahmanas that serve as liturgical manuals for the priests of that particular tradition. Identifying the primary Brahmana for each Veda is a basic and essential skill in Vedic studies. This matching tests the candidate's understanding of the basic textual hierarchy of the Vedic corpus.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's match the Vedas to their principal Brahmanas:

1. A. Atharvaveda - IV. Gopatha Brahmana: The Atharvaveda has only one surviving Brahmana, which is the Gopatha Brahmana. It is divided into two parts (Purva and Uttara) and discusses rituals like the Ashvamedha and the role of the 'Brahman' priest. Thus, A matches IV.

2. B. Samaveda - I. Tandya Brahmana: The Samaveda has several Brahmanas, but the Tandya (also known as the Panchavimsha or 'The Twenty-five Chaptered') is the most important. It deals with the melodies and chants used in Soma sacrifices. Thus, B matches I.

3. C. Yajurveda - II. Shatapatha Brahmana: The Shatapatha ('The Hundred-pathed') is the Brahmana of the Shukla (White) Yajurveda. It is the largest and most encyclopedic of all Brahmanas, containing a wealth of ritual, symbolic, and mythological information. (Note: Krishna Yajurveda has the Taittiriya Brahmana). Thus, C matches II.

4. D. Rigveda - III. Aitareya Brahmana: The Aitareya is the primary Brahmana of the Rigveda. It focuses on the duties of the 'Hotr' priest (the reciter) and is famous for its detailed explanation of the Agnishtoma sacrifice and the Shunahshepa legend. Thus, D matches III.

Summary of priests:
- Rigveda (Hotr) $\rightarrow$ Aitareya
- Yajurveda (Adhvaryu) $\rightarrow$ Shatapatha
- Samaveda (Udgatr) $\rightarrow$ Tandya
- Atharvaveda (Brahman) $\rightarrow$ Gopatha

The correct mapping is A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III. This sequence reflects the standard scholastic assignment of these texts.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct matching is A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III. Therefore, option (2) is correct.