RAS/RTS Prelims 2013

Vedic Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match list-I (Veda) with list-II (Brahmana) and select the correct answer: | List-I (Veda) | List-II (Brahmana) | | :--- | :--- | | A. Rig Veda | 1. Gopatha | | B. Samaveda | 2. Shatpatha | | C. Atharvaveda | 3. Aitareya | | D. Yajurveda | 4. Panchvisha |

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Brahmanas are prose texts that explain the hymns of the Vedas, provide instructions for rituals, and offer philosophical interpretations.

Explanation Rig Veda has Aitareya and Kaushitaki. Samaveda has Panchavimsha. Atharvaveda has Gopatha. Yajurveda has Shatapatha (White) and Taittiriya (Black).

Logical Breakup
A-3 (Rig Veda - Aitareya): Focused on Soma sacrifice and royal consecration.
B-4 (Samaveda - Panchvisha): Known as the 'Great Brahmana', it deals with chants and their effects.
C-1 (Atharvaveda - Gopatha): The only extant Brahmana of the Atharvaveda.
D-2 (Yajurveda - Shatpatha): The largest and most influential Brahmana, credited to Rishi Yajnavalkya.

Active Recall

Question

Which Brahmana contains the famous legend of Videgha Madhava?

Answer

The Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajurveda contains the account of Videgha Madhava's eastward migration.

Core Insight

The Brahmanas bridge the gap between the poetic hymns of the Vedas and the deep philosophical inquiries of the Upanishads.