CAPF AC 2022 Q58: Ancient History – Vedic Period
- (a) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
- (b) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
- (c) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
- (d) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Answer: (b) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
Explanation
Vedic names of rivers
How to think: learn the five rivers of Punjab with their Rigvedic names first.
Then add the two rivers of Haryana, Sarasvati and Drishadvati.
| Vedic name | Modern name |
|---|---|
| Sindhu | Indus |
| Vitasta | Jhelum |
| Askini | Chenab |
| Purushni | Ravi |
| Vipas | Beas |
| Shutudri | Sutlej |
| Sarasvati | Ghaggar-Hakra |
| Drishadvati | Chautang |
So: A-2 (Chautang), B-1 (Chenab), C-4 (Jhelum), D-3 (Ravi).
Linked fact: the Battle of Ten Kings (Dasharajna) was fought on the banks of the Purushni, the Ravi.
Answer: (b) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It swaps Askini (Chenab) and Vitasta (Jhelum).
- (b) CORRECT. Drishadvati: Chautang, Askini: Chenab, Vitasta: Jhelum, Purushni: Ravi.
- (c) Incorrect. It gives the Ravi to Drishadvati and the Chautang to Purushni.
- (d) Incorrect. All four pairs are wrong here; for one, Drishadvati is not the Ravi.
Key point
Rigvedic rivers: Sindhu (Indus), Vitasta (Jhelum), Askini (Chenab), Purushni (Ravi), Vipas (Beas), Shutudri (Sutlej), Sarasvati (Ghaggar), Drishadvati (Chautang), Kubha (Kabul), Gomati (Gomal). Dasharajna battle: on the Purushni.
Remember
Vitasta Jhelum, Askini Chenab, Purushni Ravi, Drishadvati Chautang.
Common mistakes
- Swapping Vitasta (Jhelum) and Askini (Chenab).
- Mixing up Purushni (Ravi) with Vipas (Beas).
- Not knowing that Drishadvati is the Chautang of Haryana.
Exam tip
Educated guess: in Kashmir the Jhelum is still called the Vyeth, from Vitasta, so C-4 is fixed. That leaves (b) and (c). The Battle of Ten Kings on the Purushni is the Ravi, so D-3 gives (b).
Sources
- R. S. Sharma, India's Ancient Past — The Age of the Rig Veda
- NCERT Class VI History — Our Pasts I (What Books and Burials Tell Us)