Correct Option
The correct option is (b) 1, 2 and 4 only.
Explanation
The geographical horizon of the Rigveda is primarily centered on the Sapta Sindhu region (the land of seven rivers), which corresponds to present-day Punjab and parts of Haryana and Afghanistan. The text contains numerous references to rivers, mountains, and oceans, which help delineate the settlement pattern of the Early Vedic Aryans.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Indus (Sindhu) is the most frequently mentioned river in the Rigveda. It is described with great reverence for its immense volume and economic importance. Its tributaries, such as the Jhelum (Vitasta), Chenab (Asikni), Ravi (Parushni), Beas (Vipas), and Sutlej (Shutudri), are also explicitly named in the hymns.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The Sarasvati is considered the holiest river in the Rigveda. It is often referred to as Matetama (best of mothers), Devitama (best of goddesses), and Naditama (best of rivers). It played a central role in the religious and cultural life of the Rigvedic people.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Ganga and Yamuna are not the most frequently mentioned rivers. The Ganga is mentioned only once directly in the Nadistuti Sukta (Hymn of the Rivers), and the Yamuna is mentioned three times. This indicates that the Early Vedic people had not yet fully established themselves in the Gangetic Doab, and their primary focus remained the Indus system.
- Statement 4 is Correct: The Rigveda (Mandala III, Hymn 33) contains a famous dialogue hymn (Samvada Sukta) between the sage Vishvamitra and two rivers, the Beas (Vipas) and the Sutlej (Shutudri). In this hymn, the sage prays to the rivers to lower their waters so that his chariot and entourage can cross safely.
Key Takeaway: The geographical focus of the Rigveda is the Indus system (Sapta Sindhu), where the Sindhu is the most mentioned river and the Sarasvati is the most revered. The Ganga and Yamuna appear only on the eastern periphery of their geographical knowledge.