The Rigveda was composed primarily in which region?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Punjab and North-West India.
Explanation:
☛ The Rigveda is the oldest among the four Vedas, composed during the Early Vedic period (c. 1500 BCE – 1000 BCE).
☛ It was primarily composed in the Sapta Sindhu (Land of Seven Rivers) region, which corresponds to modern-day Punjab and North-West India (extending into parts of Pakistan).
☛ The geographic horizon of the Rigvedic people is reflected through frequent mentions of the river Sindhu (Indus), the sacred Saraswati, and the five tributaries of the Indus.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Structure of Rigveda: It consists of 10 Mandalas (books), 1,028 hymns (Suktas), and 10,580 verses.
☛ Mandalas: Mandalas 2 to 7 are the oldest (known as Family Books), while Mandalas 1 and 10 were added last.
☛ Gayatri Mantra: Found in the 3rd Mandala, composed by sage Vishvamitra and addressed to the solar deity Savitr.
☛ Purusha Sukta: Contained in the 10th Mandala, it contains the earliest reference to the four Varnas.
☛ Sacred River: The river Saraswati is hailed as the most sacred river and referred to as Naditama (best of rivers) in the text.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which deity is invoked the highest number of times in the Rigveda? → Indra (250 hymns)
☛ What is the title of the priest who recites the verses of the Rigveda? → Hotri
☛ Which famous battle is described in the 7th Mandala of the Rigveda? → Battle of the Ten Kings (Dasarajna)
☛ What was the Rigvedic name for the river Jhelum? → Vitasta
☛ Which Mandala of the Rigveda is completely dedicated to Soma? → 9th Mandala