Official UPSC Format

Which of the following pairs of ancient and modern names of rivers is/are correctly matched ?
1. Vitasta : Chenab
2. Asikni : Jhelum
3. Parushni : Ravi
4. Yavyavati : Beas
Select the answer using the code given below :

⚡ Quick Recall Snippet

The Rigveda references several major rivers of the Indus system by their ancient names. Historically, the river Vitasta corresponds to the Jhelum, Asikni to the Chenab, Vipasha to the Beas, and Parushni to the modern Ravi river.

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Detailed Solution & Authority Citations

Correct Answer is Option C
Let us map the ancient geography of the Sapta Sindhu region as recorded in the Rigveda (specifically the Nadistuti Sukta):
  • Pair 1 is Incorrectly Matched: The ancient Rigvedic name Vitasta corresponds to the modern Jhelum river, not the Chenab. (The Greeks famously called it the Hydaspes).

  • Pair 2 is Incorrectly Matched: The ancient Rigvedic name Asikni corresponds to the modern Chenab river, not the Jhelum. The examiner deliberately swapped the first two pairs to create a distractor.

  • Pair 3 is Correctly Matched: The ancient Rigvedic name Parushni corresponds accurately to the modern Ravi river. This river holds immense historical significance as the site of the legendary Battle of the Ten Kings (Dasarajna).

  • Pair 4 is Incorrectly Matched: The recognized ancient Sanskrit name for the modern Beas river is Vipasha (or Vipasa), not Yavyavati.
    • Conclusion: Based on historical linguistics, only Pair 3 is correctly matched.

    🚨 The Examiner's Trap

    The examiner actively cross-swaps the ancient names of the Jhelum and Chenab (Pairs 1 and 2) and introduces an obscure, unrelated ancient term (Yavyavati) for the Beas to disorient candidates relying on partial memorization.

    Active Recall Flashcard

    Tap to Flip

    What is the modern name of the ancient Rigvedic river 'Parushni'?

    The Ravi river.

    Concept Flow Mapping

    Parushni
    Is Ancient Name Of
    Ravi River
    Vitasta
    Is Ancient Name Of
    Jhelum River
    Asikni
    Is Ancient Name Of
    Chenab River

    Logic Quest

    "Why is the Parushni river historically famous?"

    Not analyzing core concepts like Historical Geography of the Sapta Sindhu through the lens of Previous Year Questions is a serious miss-out. This PYQ engine is specifically designed to help you decode the examiner's mindset and master highly probable Ancient History questions for your upcoming Prelims.