UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies

Question 28: History and Culture

The river most mentioned in early Vedic literature is

aSindhu

bSutudri

cSarasvati

dGanga

AnswerThe answer is (a).

The Sindhu (Indus) is the river mentioned most often in the Rig Veda. The Sarasvati is the most revered, praised as the best of rivers, but is named less often. The Sutudri (Sutlej) is among the Punjab rivers listed, and the Ganga is named only rarely, in a late hymn. Remember: Sindhu - most mentioned; Sarasvati - most sacred.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: the Sindhu is the river named most often in early Vedic texts.
(b) The Sutudri (Sutlej) is named, but far less often than the Sindhu.
(c) The Sarasvati is the most praised river, not the most mentioned.
(d) The Ganga appears only rarely in the Rig Veda.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.