Question

The Upaveda of the Rigveda is called:

• A. Sthapatyaveda
• B. Dhanurveda
• C. Ayurveda
• D. Gandharvaveda

Hint:

To remember Upaveda pairings: Rig-Ayur (Health), Yajur-Dhanur (War), Sama-Gandharva (Music), Atharva-Sthapatya (Building). This 4-pair grid is a very common target for matching questions in NTA exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In the Vedic classification system, every primary Veda has a corresponding 'Upaveda' or secondary Veda, which deals with applied sciences or secular knowledge. While the primary Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva) are considered spiritual and ritualistic, the Upavedas translate those cosmic principles into practical domains like medicine, warfare, music, and architecture. The Rigveda, being the Veda of hymns and knowledge, is traditionally associated with Ayurveda, the science of life and longevity.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The association of Upavedas with the four Vedas is a standard topic in Vedic literature.

1. Rigveda and Ayurveda: The Rigveda contains the earliest seeds of medical knowledge. It mentions various herbs, the importance of water and sunlight in healing, and invokes deities like the Ashvins (the divine physicians) and Rudra (the master of medicines). According to the Charanavyuha and the Sushruta Samhita, Ayurveda is considered the Upaveda of the Rigveda. This science focuses on the maintenance of health, the prevention of disease, and the treatment of illnesses through natural and surgical means.

2. Analysis of other Upavedas:
- Dhanurveda: This is the Upaveda of the Yajurveda. It deals with the science of archery, weaponry, and the strategies of warfare.
- Gandharvaveda: This is the Upaveda of the Samaveda. Given that Samaveda is the Veda of melodies, its Upaveda naturally deals with music, dance, and fine arts.
- Sthapatyaveda (or Arthaveda): This is associated with the Atharvaveda. It covers architecture, civil engineering, and urban planning.

3. Variations in Traditions: It is worth noting that some later traditions, like those found in the Puranas, occasionally link Ayurveda to the Atharvaveda because the Atharvaveda contains a high volume of mantras related to curing diseases and warding off evil spirits. However, from a classical and academic standpoint (especially in NTA exams following Paninian and Sutra traditions), Ayurveda is firmly linked to the Rigveda as its primary Upaveda. The Rigveda's focus on 'Ayus' (longevity) and 'Prakriti' (nature) forms the philosophical bedrock of Ayurvedic practice.

4. Significance: The existence of Upavedas proves that the Vedic civilization was not purely focused on abstract philosophy but had a robust understanding of the material sciences necessary for a thriving society. The study of the Rigveda was thus considered incomplete without the practical knowledge provided by Ayurveda.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Upaveda of the Rigveda is Ayurveda. Therefore, option (C) is correct.