Which of the following pairs of ancient and modern names of rivers is/are correctly matched?
- 1.Vitasta: Chenab
- 2.Asikni: Jhelum
- 3.Parushni: Ravi
- 4.Yavyavati: Beas
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (c) 3 only
The Rigvedic names of the Punjab rivers are Vitasta (Jhelum), Asikni (Chenab), Parushni (Ravi), Vipasa/Vipash (Beas) and Sutudri/Shutudri (Sutlej). Pairs 1 and 2 are swapped and the Beas was the Vipasa, so only Parushni-Ravi is right.
- ✗ 1. Vitasta is the Jhelum; the Chenab was called Asikni.
- ✗ 2. Asikni is the Chenab; the Jhelum was the Vitasta.
- ✓ 3. Parushni is the Rigvedic name of the Ravi.
- ✗ 4. The Beas was the Vipasa (Sanskrit Vipasha), not Yavyavati.
Remember · Rigvedic Punjab rivers: Vitasta–Jhelum, Asikni–Chenab, Parushni–Ravi, Vipash–Beas, Shutudri–Sutlej.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, Beas River ↗ · reference work “Beas also spelled: Bias (Show more) Ancient Greek: Hyphasis (Show more) Sanskrit: Vipasha”
- Exploration Techniques in Archaeology, e-PG Pathshala (INFLIBNET Centre, UGC / Ministry of Education), Indian Archaeology course ↗ · reference work “the Rig Veda provides ample evidence of the Sindhu (Indus River) along with its tributaries like Drishadvati, Sarasvati, Sutudri (Satluj), Vipasa (Beas), Parushni (Ravi), Asikni (Chenab), Vitasta (Jhelum), Suvastu (Swat), Kubha (Kabul), Gomati (Gomal)”
Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper I (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 1 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·