Previous Year Question
Mention of which of the following rivers in the Rigveda suggests the Aryan's connection with Afghanistan?
Asikni
Parushni
Kubha, Krumu
Vipas, Sutudri
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Kubha and Krumu connect the geographical setting of the Rigvedic period with the region of present-day Afghanistan.
Kubha is identified with the modern Kabul River, while Krumu is identified with the modern Kurram River. These rivers were located in the region associated with present-day Afghanistan, northwest of the Indian subcontinent. Their mention in the Rigveda therefore shows that the geographical horizon of the Vedic Aryans extended into the Afghan region.
In contrast, Asikni is identified with the Chenab, Parushni with the Ravi, Vipasa with the Beas and Sutudri with the Sutlej. These were major Vedic rivers associated with the Sapta-Sindhu and Punjab region.