Consider the following statements regarding the manuscript of the Rigveda found in Kashmir: 1. It was written on palm leaves. 2. It was used to prepare one of the earliest printed texts of the Rigveda about 150 years ago. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (b) 2 only. Explanation Ancient Indian manuscripts were inscribed on various materials based on regional availability. In the Himalayan region, birch bark was the primary medium, whereas palm leaves were predominantly used in peninsular India. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The manuscript of the Rigveda found in Kashmir was written on birch bark (bhurjapatra), not on palm leaves. Birch trees are native to the Himalayas, making their bark a common writing material in Kashmir, distinct from the palm leaf manuscripts found in southern and eastern India. - Statement 2 is Correct: This specific birch bark manuscript was used to prepare one of the earliest printed texts (critical editions) of the Rigveda approximately 150 years ago. It was utilized by scholars such as Max Müller for this purpose and is currently preserved at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune. Key Takeaway: The Kashmir manuscript of the Rigveda, which served as the basis for early printed editions, is written on birch bark, reflecting the specific writing traditions of the Himalayan region.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 4: What books and burials tell us

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Consider the following statements regarding the manuscript of the Rigveda found in Kashmir:

It was written on palm leaves.
It was used to prepare one of the earliest printed texts of the Rigveda about 150 years ago.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b) 2 only.

Explanation

Ancient Indian manuscripts were inscribed on various materials based on regional availability. In the Himalayan region, birch bark was the primary medium, whereas palm leaves were predominantly used in peninsular India.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The manuscript of the Rigveda found in Kashmir was written on birch bark (bhurjapatra), not on palm leaves. Birch trees are native to the Himalayas, making their bark a common writing material in Kashmir, distinct from the palm leaf manuscripts found in southern and eastern India.
Statement 2 is Correct: This specific birch bark manuscript was used to prepare one of the earliest printed texts (critical editions) of the Rigveda approximately 150 years ago. It was utilized by scholars such as Max Müller for this purpose and is currently preserved at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune.

Key Takeaway: The Kashmir manuscript of the Rigveda, which served as the basis for early printed editions, is written on birch bark, reflecting the specific writing traditions of the Himalayan region.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: What books and burials tell us

Consider the following statements comparing Harappan cities and Megalithic cultures: 1. Harappan cities show extensive use of iron weapons. 2. Megalithic burials contain iron axes and daggers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following features is primarily used by archaeologists to identify the sex of a skeletal remain?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Rigveda: 1. It is the oldest Veda, composed approximately 3500 years ago. 2. It was written down and printed immediately after its composition. 3. The hymns, known as sukta, were composed by sages (rishis). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which group of deities is most frequently invoked and considered central in the Rigvedic hymns?

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Consider the following statements regarding the language of the Rigveda: 1. It is written in Old or Vedic Sanskrit. 2. Vedic Sanskrit is identical to the Sanskrit taught in schools today. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (b) 2 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The manuscript of the Rigveda found in Kashmir was written on birch bark (bhurjapatra), not on palm leaves. Birch trees are native to the Himalayas, making their bark a common writing material in Kashmir, distinct from the palm leaf manuscripts found in southern and eastern India.
Statement 2 is Correct: This specific birch bark manuscript was used to prepare one of the earliest printed texts (critical editions) of the Rigveda approximately 150 years ago. It was utilized by scholars such as Max Müller for this purpose and is currently preserved at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune.