U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010

Rigvedic Geography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Vedic River Askini is identified with which one of the following rivers?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The Rig Veda provides a list of rivers (Nadistuti Sukta) that allow historians to reconstruct the early settlements of the Aryans.

Explanation In the Vedic literature, the river Chenab is referred to as 'Askini'. It is the same river formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers.

Logical Breakup
Beas: Known as Vipasa.
Ravi: Known as Parushni.
Jhelum: Known as Vitasta.
Chenab (C): Identified as Askini.

Active Recall

Question

What is the importance of the river Parushni in Vedic history?

Answer

It was the site of the 'Battle of the Ten Kings' (Dasharajna War), where King Sudas of the Bharata tribe emerged victorious.

Core Insight

The identification of these rivers confirms that the heart of the early Vedic world was the Punjab (Land of Five Rivers).