UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies
Question 6: History and Culture
Who among the following was a Brahmavadini who composed some hymns of the Vedas?
AnswerThe answer is (a).
Lopamudra, wife of the sage Agastya, is credited with a hymn of the Rigveda (in Book 1) and is counted among the brahmavadinis, women who pursued sacred knowledge. Other women seers of the Vedic hymns include Ghosha, Apala and Vishvavara. Gargi is remembered from the Upanishads for her debate with Yajnavalkya, not for Vedic hymns. Leelavati is linked to mathematics. Remember Lopamudra for Rigvedic hymns.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: Lopamudra composed a Rigvedic hymn.
- (b) Gargi was a learned woman of the Upanishadic age known for her debates, not a composer of Vedic hymns.
- (c) Leelavati is the name of a famous mathematical treatise by Bhaskara II, not a Vedic seer.
- (d) Savitri is a figure of legend (Savitri and Satyavan), not a Vedic hymn composer.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.