Question

The 'Mandala-krama' (organization of hymns into Mandalas) is characteristic of which Veda?

• A. Yajurveda
• B. Rigveda
• C. Samaveda
• D. Atharvaveda

Hint:

To remember structural divisions: Rigveda = Mandalas/Ashtakas. Yajurveda = Adhyayas/Kandas. Samaveda = Archikas. Atharvaveda = Kandas. This comparative grid is a high-yield study tool for all Vedic exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Every Veda has a unique structural organization designed to aid in preservation and ritual application. The Rigveda Samhita, being a collection of over a thousand poetic hymns (Suktas), has two distinct systems of division: the Mandala-krama and the Ashtaka-krama. The Mandala-krama is the most historically and genealogically significant way of dividing the text, and it is universally synonymous with the Rigveda.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. The Mandala System: The Rigveda is divided into 10 Mandalas (Books). This division is based on the families of the rishis (sages) who composed the hymns.
- Family Books (Mandalas 2-7): These are the oldest parts of the Rigveda. Each book belongs to a single family (e.g., Mandala 3 to Vishvamitra, Mandala 7 to Vashistha).
- Mandala 8: Belonging mostly to the Kanva family.
- Mandala 9: Dedicated entirely to the deity Soma Pavamana.
- Mandalas 1 and 10: These are the 'latest' additions, containing diverse hymns from various sages and including philosophical suktas like the Purusha Sukta.

2. The Ashtaka System: This is a purely mechanical division used for memorization. The Rigveda is divided into 8 Ashtakas, each having 8 Adhyayas (64 total).

3. Other Veda Divisions:
- Yajurveda: Divided into Adhyayas (Shukla) or Kandas (Krishna).
- Samaveda: Divided into Archikas (Purvarchika and Uttararchika).
- Atharvaveda: Divided into 20 Kandas.

The term 'Mandala' is so central to Rigvedic studies that identifying its Veda is a basic yet crucial point for exams. It reflects the organic growth of the Veda through different priestly families over centuries. While other Vedas use divisions like Kandas or Adhyayas, the 'Mandala' is the hallmark of the Rigveda's poetic and genealogical arrangement. Understanding this structure helps students locate specific suktas (like the Gayatri Mantra in Mandala 3) with ease.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Mandala-krama is found in the Rigveda. Therefore, option (2) is correct.