Question

The 'Vishvamitra-Nadi Samvada' in the Rigveda is a poetic dialogue describing the interaction between the sage Vishvamitra and which of the following?

• A. Vipas and Shutudri
• B. Akshaya
• C. Rudra
• D. Yama

Hint:

Remember the geographic pair: Vipas (Beas) and Shutudri (Sutlej). They are always mentioned together in the context of Vishvamitra's crossing in the 3rd Mandala. Knowing these ancient river names is a high-yield strategy for Vedic geography questions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Rigveda contains several 'Samvada Suktas' (Dialogue Hymns), which are early forms of drama and narrative poetry. The Vishvamitra-Nadi Samvada is found in the 3rd Mandala of the Rigveda (3.33). It records a historical and mythological event where the sage Vishvamitra, leading the Bharata tribe, arrives at the banks of two major rivers in the Punjab region. The dialogue captures the sage's prayer to the rivers to allow his people to cross.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The two rivers addressed in this Sukta are the Vipas (the modern Beas) and the Shutudri (the modern Sutlej). These rivers were flowing in high flood from the mountains towards the sea. In the hymn, Vishvamitra addresses them as divine beings, praising their speed like racing horses and their grace like nursing cows.

The narrative flow of the Sukta is as follows:
1. The Request: Vishvamitra asks the rivers to lower their waters so that his followers, their chariots, and their wagons can cross safely. He calls them "mothers" and goddesses.
2. The Rivers' Reply: The rivers initially respond that they are following the path carved for them by the god Indra and that their flow is unstoppable by any human.
3. The Persistent Prayer: Vishvamitra continues his poetic praise, emphasizing his devotion and the urgent need of his people.
4. The Subsidence: Moved by his eloquent prayer, the rivers agree to bow down "like a nursing mother to her child" or "a maiden to her lover," allowing the Bharatas to cross.

This Sukta is of immense value to historians and geographers as it identifies the 'Saptasindhu' (Land of Seven Rivers) region. It shows the sage in a position of power, using his 'Mantra-shakti' (power of words) to command the natural elements. In the NTA exam, questions on Samvada Suktas focus on identifying the characters involved. For this specific Sukta, the interaction is between Vishvamitra and the twin rivers, Vipas and Shutudri. Understanding this geographic context is vital for grasping the Early Vedic settlement patterns.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The dialogue is between Vishvamitra and the rivers Vipas and Shutudri. Thus, option (1) is correct.