Question

Select the correct facts regarding the Aitareya Brahmana and the Rigveda:
A. The Aitareya Brahmana contains the famous Shunahshepa legend.
B. The Rigveda Samhita consists of ten Mandalas.
C. The Rigveda contains exactly nine thousand mantras.
D. The Aitareya Brahmana is primarily linked to the Yajurveda.

• A. Only A and C
• B. Only A and B
• C. Only A and D
• D. Only B and C

Hint:

Remember the keyword "Aitareya" is exclusive to the Rigveda (Brahmana, Aranyaka, and Upanishad). For the mantra count of the Rigveda, remember it is roughly 10,000+ (not 9,000).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Vedic literature is structured into Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. Each of the four Vedas has its own set of these texts. The Rigveda is the oldest and is organized into ten Mandalas. Its primary Brahmana is the Aitareya, which provides ritual instructions and illustrative legends for the 'Hotr' priest. Identifying the correct affiliations and structural counts of these texts is a basic requirement for Vedic scholarship.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's evaluate each statement:

Statement A: Aitareya Brahmana contains the Shunahshepa legend.
This is factually correct. The story of Shunahshepa, who was saved from sacrifice through prayer, is located in the 7th Panchika (33rd chapter) of the Aitareya Brahmana. This narrative is a mandatory part of the Rajasuya ritual and is one of the most famous literary pieces in all of Brahmana literature. Thus, Statement A is correct.

Statement B: Rigveda Samhita consists of ten Mandalas.
This is also correct. The Rigveda is divided into ten books or 'Mandalas'. Mandalas 2-7 are the "Family Books," Mandala 8 contains hymns of the Kanva family, Mandala 9 is the Pavamana (Soma) Mandala, and Mandalas 1 and 10 are later additions with diverse contents. Thus, Statement B is correct.

Statement C: Rigveda contains nine thousand mantras.
This is incorrect. According to the traditional counts (Shaunaka's Anukramani), the Rigveda has approximately 10,552 mantras (or Riks). 9000 is an inaccurate figure. Thus, Statement C is incorrect.

Statement D: Aitareya Brahmana is linked to the Yajurveda.
This is incorrect. The Aitareya Brahmana is the principal Brahmana of the Rigveda. The Yajurveda has different Brahmanas, such as the Shatapatha (Shukla Yajurveda) and the Taittiriya (Krishna Yajurveda). Thus, Statement D is incorrect.

Deep Dive into Aitareya Brahmana:
The Aitareya Brahmana is attributed to Mahidasa Aitareya. It is divided into 40 Adhyayas (chapters) which are grouped into 8 Panchikas (units of five). It primarily deals with the Soma sacrifice (Agnishtoma) and the coronation of kings. The legendary Shunahshepa story within it emphasizes the power of the Rigvedic mantras over physical force.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct facts are A and B. Therefore, option (B) is the right choice.