Question

Select the correct facts regarding the branches (Shakhas) of the Vedas:
A. The Atharvaveda is traditionally said to have nine branches (Navadha).
B. The Krishna Yajurveda is said to have exactly fifteen branches.
C. The Atharvaveda contains the Shaunaka branch.
D. The Shukla Yajurveda consists of twelve branches.

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

Hint:

Memorize the "Veda-Number" counts from Patanjali: Rigveda (21), Yajurveda (101), Samaveda (1000), Atharvaveda (9). This "21-101-1000-9" sequence is a high-yield fact for NTA NET/SLET.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Each Veda originally had many branches or schools (Shakhas), which evolved due to geographical separation and different family traditions of recitation. While many have been lost, traditional texts like the 'Mahabhashya' of Patanjali and the 'Charanavyuha' record the number of branches that once existed. For the Atharvaveda, the count and the names of specific surviving branches like the Shaunaka and Pippalada are essential knowledge for competitive exams.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the statements:

Statement A: Atharvaveda has nine branches.
This is factually correct based on the traditional mantra: "navadhā ātharvaṇo vedaḥ" (The Atharvan Veda is nine-fold). Patanjali's Mahabhashya also supports this count. The nine branches were: Pippalada, Tauda, Mauda, Shaunakiya, Jajala, Jalada, Brahmavada, Devadarsha, and Charana-vidya. Thus, Statement A is correct.

Statement B: Krishna Yajurveda has fifteen branches.
This is incorrect. Traditionally, it is the Shukla Yajurveda that is associated with fifteen branches (Madhyandina, Kanva, Jabala, etc.). The Krishna Yajurveda is said to have many more (86 according to some accounts). Thus, Statement B is incorrect.

Statement C: Atharvaveda contains the Shaunaka branch.
This is correct. The Shaunaka Shakha is one of the two surviving branches of the Atharvaveda (the other being the Pippalada). The Shaunaka Samhita is the most commonly studied version of the Atharvaveda today. Thus, Statement C is correct.

Statement D: Shukla Yajurveda has twelve branches.
This is incorrect. As mentioned above, the traditional count for the Shukla Yajurveda is fifteen ("ekāviṃśatidhā bāhvṛcyam... ekaśatam adhvaryuśākhāḥ..."). Twelve is not a standard traditional count for this Veda. Thus, Statement D is incorrect.

Summary of Vedic Branches:
The study of Shakhas is important because each branch often has its own slightly different version of the Samhita, as well as its own specific Brahmana and Shrauta Sutras. For the Atharvaveda, only the Shaunaka and Pippalada branches have surviving Samhita texts, making them highly important for modern scholars.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct facts are A and C. Therefore, option (2) is the right choice.