In which Indian text does the name 'Bharata' first appear?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2: Rigveda.
Explanation:
- The earliest mention of the word 'Bharat' is found in the Rigveda—the world's oldest scripture. Here, 'Bharat' is described not as the name of a country, but rather as a powerful *Jana* (tribe).
- The Bharat Tribe: The Rigveda mentions a significant tribe named 'Bharat,' which inhabited the region situated between the Saraswati and Yamuna rivers.
- The Dasharajnya War (Battle of Ten Kings): The seventh *Mandala* (Book) of the Rigveda contains a description of the famous 'Dasharajnya War,' in which King Sudas of the Bharat tribe defeated a confederacy of ten kings. It was due to the victory and influence of this very tribe that this entire geographical region subsequently came to be known as 'Bharatvarsha.'
- Reference to the Puranas: Although a detailed description of 'Bharatvarsha' in terms of its geographical extent is found in the Vishnu Purana ('Uttaram yat samudrasya Himadreshchaiva dakshinam...'), the Rigveda remains the primary source regarding the origin of the name itself.
Key Points Related to Indian Texts (Quick Revision):
- Rigveda (Option 2): The oldest of the Vedas, comprising 10 *Mandalas* (Books) and 1,028 Suktas (Hymns). The 'Gayatri Mantra' is also derived from its third *Mandala*.
- Ramayana (Option 1): The *Adi Kavya* (First Epic), composed by Maharishi Valmiki.
- Meghaduta (Option 3): A renowned Sanskrit literary work by the great poet Kalidasa.
- Mahabharata (Option 4): The world's largest epic, composed by Maharishi Ved Vyas. Its original name was 'Jaya Samhita.'
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: From which Upanishad is the motto 'Satyameva Jayate' derived?
Answer: Mundaka Upanishad.
Question: On the banks of which river was the famous 'Dasharajnya War' fought?
Answer: The Parushni (present-day Ravi) River. Question: Which Veda is considered the father of Indian music?
Answer: The Samaveda.