Question

Select the correct statements regarding the Rigveda from the following:
A. Rigveda is said to have twenty-one branches (Shakhas).
B. Gana-mantras (musical chants) are predominantly available in the Rigveda.
C. Aitareya Aranyaka is directly related to the Rigveda.
D. Naradiya Shiksha is the phonetic manual specifically for the Rigveda.

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

Hint:

Remember: "Aitareya" is a keyword for Rigveda. "Naradiya" and "Gana" are keywords for Samaveda. For the number of branches: Rigveda=21, Yajur=100/101, Sama=1000, Atharva=9. These numbers are very high-yield.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests the fundamental knowledge of the Rigveda's structure, branches, and auxiliary literature. The Rigveda is the oldest Veda, consisting of hymns (Suktas). Like all Vedas, it has its own branches (Shakhas), Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, and Shikshas. Distinguishing between the literature of the different Vedas is a core competency in Vedic studies.

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

Statement A: Rigveda has twenty-one branches.
This is a standard traditional fact. Patanjali, in his Mahabhashya (Paspshahnika), states: "Ekavimshatidha bahvrichyam" (The Veda of the many-versed, i.e., Rigveda, has twenty-one branches). Although only a few like Shakala and Bashkala are fully extant today, the count of 21 is the established scholastic tradition. Thus, Statement A is correct.

Statement B: Gana-mantras in Rigveda.
This is incorrect. 'Gana' refers to musical chants or melodies. This is the defining characteristic of the Samaveda. The Rigveda consists of 'Riks' (verses meant for recitation), not 'Ganas'. Samaveda is essentially the Rigvedic verses set to music.

Statement C: Aitareya Aranyaka is related to Rigveda.
This is correct. Each Veda has its own Aranyaka. The Rigveda has the Aitareya and the Kaushitaki (or Shankhayana) Aranyakas. The Aitareya Aranyaka is the theological sequel to the Aitareya Brahmana of the Rigveda and contains the Aitareya Upanishad. Thus, Statement C is correct.

Statement D: Naradiya Shiksha for Rigveda.
This is incorrect. Each Veda has its own Shiksha (phonetic manual). The Naradiya Shiksha is the phonetic manual for the Samaveda. The primary Shiksha for the Rigveda is the Paniniya Shiksha (in a general sense) or more specifically, the rules found in the Rigveda Pratishakhya.

Conclusion: Since only Statements A and C are correct, the answer is option (2). Understanding these affiliations helps in categorizing the vast library of Vedic texts and identifying the specific liturgical tradition of the Rigveda.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (2). Only A and C.