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hardQ. No. 14314-which-river-is-called-vitasta-in-ancient-texts

Which river is called 'Vitasta' in ancient texts?

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Option A (“Chenab”) is incorrect because it does not match the river basin, lake type, location, tributary relationship, project or hydrological feature specified in the question. Option B (“Sutlej”) is incorrect because it does not match the river basin, lake type, location, tributary relationship, project or hydrological feature specified in the question. Option D (“Beas”) is incorrect because it does not match the river basin, lake type, location, tributary relationship, project or hydrological feature specified in the question. The answer Jhelum matches the exact hydrological and locational clue. This question examines an important river-or-lake fact: “Which river is called 'Vitasta' in ancient texts?” The correct answer is Jhelum.

AChenab
BSutlej
CJhelum
DBeas
Correct Answer: JhelumYour Answer: C

Explanation

Correct Answer: Option C — Jhelum The Jhelum River is called Vitasta in ancient Sanskrit texts. It rises at Verinag in the Kashmir Valley, flows through Srinagar and Wular Lake, and later joins the Chenab in Pakistan. Ancient Greek writers knew the river as Hydaspes, the site associated with the battle between Alexander and King Porus. - Option A — Chenab: The Chenab was known in ancient sources as Asikni or Chandrabhaga, not Vitasta. - Option B — Sutlej: The ancient Sanskrit name of the Sutlej was Shutudri or Shatadru. - Option D — Beas: The Beas was known as Vipasha in Sanskrit and Hyphasis to the Greeks. Exam Takeaway: Vitasta is Jhelum; Hydaspes is its Greek name.

Important Notes

  • Jhelum rises from the Verinag spring in the Anantnag area of Jammu and Kashmir and flows northwest through the Kashmir Valley.
  • The river passes through Srinagar and Wular Lake before crossing the Line of Control and eventually joining the Chenab in Pakistan.
  • Jhelum was called Vitasta in Sanskrit literature and Hydaspes by ancient Greek writers. These alternate names are frequent exam questions.
  • Vitasta should not be confused with Vipasha. Vitasta is Jhelum, whereas Vipasha is the ancient Sanskrit name of the Beas.
  • Chenab was associated with Asikni and Chandrabhaga, while Sutlej was called Shutudri or Shatadru. Learning these pairs helps eliminate similar Indus tributaries.

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