In the 10th Mandala of the Rigveda, which one of the following hymns reflects upon the marriage ceremonies?
- A.Surya Sukta
- B.Purusha Sukta
- C.Dana Stutis
- D.Urna Sutra
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is A, Surya Sukta. The Surya Sukta (Rigveda X.85) describes the wedding of Surya, daughter of the Sun, and is the source of the Vedic marriage rites.
The hymn tells of Surya's marriage to Soma, with the twin Ashvins acting as the groom's companions. Its verses on the bride leaving her father's home, the holding of hands (panigrahana) and the blessing that she rule over her husband's household are still recited at Hindu weddings. The tenth Mandala is one of the later books of the Rigveda and also holds philosophical hymns such as the Nasadiya Sukta on creation. Historians read the Surya Sukta for what it reveals about family life and the position of women in the early Vedic period.
Option B is wrong because the Purusha Sukta (X.90) describes the creation of the world and the four varnas from the cosmic being. Option C is wrong because Dana Stutis are hymns praising the gifts given by patrons to the priests. Option D is wrong because Urna Sutra is not a Rigvedic hymn on marriage.
Exam tip: Mandala X has the Surya Sukta (marriage, X.85), Purusha Sukta (varnas, X.90) and Nasadiya Sukta (creation, X.129).
Practice Questions
View allWhich one of the following sources tells us about women protesting against the infidelity of their husbands or the neglect of the wife and children by the male head of the household?
- A.The Kitab-ul-Hind
- B.Documents belonging to the Village Panchayats of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra
- C.Sculptures from Mandor
- D.The Ain-i-Akbari of Abul Fazl
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- C.K. S. Thimayya
- D.K. S. Rajendrasinhji
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- A.1, 2, 3 and 4
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.1, 2 and 3 only
- D.3 and 4 only
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- A.Gujarat
- B.Tamil Nadu
- C.Kerala
- D.Karnataka
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Read the full explanation →Which of the following statements about the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) are correct? 1. It began as the political wing of the Singh Sabhas in the late 19th century. 2. It was formed in 1920 as part of the upcoming Akali movement. 3. It was founded to reclaim control of the Sikh shrines from the government manipulated loyalist committees. 4. It formed the Akali Dal to coordinate groups (Jathas) to reclaim control of the shrines. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A.1, 3 and 4
- B.2, 3 and 4
- C.2 and 4 only
- D.2 and 3 only
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