[Solved] King Videgha Madhava and Rishi Gautama Rahugana

The priest associated with King Videgha Madhava referred in Shatapatha Brahmana was-

[U.P. Lower Sub. Prelims 2015]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The legend of Videgha Madhava describes the eastward expansion of Aryan culture from the Saraswati river to the Gandak river (Sadanira).

Authentic Source Evidence

In the Shatapatha Brahmana, it is recorded that King Videgha Madhava traveled eastward following the fire (Agni Vaishvanara), accompanied by his family priest, Rishi Gautama Rahugana.

Analytical Breakdown

Gautama Rahugana (D): Specifically named as the priest who aided the King in establishing the kingdom of Videha.

Historical Context: This story symbolizes the clearing of forests and the spread of Vedic sacrificial fire into Bihar.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Which river is identified with the Sadanira of the Vedas?"

The modern Gandak river is identified as the Sadanira, which marked the limit of early Aryan settlement in the east.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The legend of Videgha Madhava is one of the most important literary accounts explaining how the nomadic Vedic people became settled agriculturalists in eastern India."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Shatapatha Brahmana 3