Which one of the following rivers was earlier known as “Vitasta”?
Jhelum
The question asks us to identify which of the given rivers was historically known by the name “Vitasta”. This requires knowledge of the ancient names of rivers in the Indian subcontinent.
Understanding the Ancient Name Vitasta
Ancient texts and historical records often refer to rivers by names different from their modern designations. The name “Vitasta” is a prominent example of such an ancient name associated with a specific river in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent.
Let's examine the options provided:
- Tista: The Tista River flows through India and Bangladesh, forming a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River. Its ancient name is not Vitasta.
- Jhelum: The Jhelum River is a major river of the upper Indus Basin. Historically, the Jhelum River was indeed known as the Vitasta. This name appears in ancient Indian texts like the Rigveda and is also mentioned in classical Greek accounts (as Hydaspes, thought to be derived from Vitasta).
- Tungabhadra: The Tungabhadra River is a major river in South India, formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers. Its historical names are different from Vitasta.
- Bharatpuzha: Also known as Nila, the Bharatpuzha is the second-longest river in Kerala, South India. Its historical name is not Vitasta.
Based on historical and geographical evidence, the river known as “Vitasta” in ancient times is the Jhelum River.
Why Jhelum was Called Vitasta
The Jhelum River is one of the major rivers of the Punjab region and is a tributary of the Indus River. Its source is in the Pir Panjal range in Jammu and Kashmir. The name Vitasta is deeply rooted in the history and mythology of the region, frequently mentioned in ancient Sanskrit literature.
| Modern River Name | Ancient Name (if applicable) | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Tista | Often associated with Trishrota | North-East India |
| Jhelum | Vitasta | Kashmir, Punjab (Indus Basin) |
| Tungabhadra | Pampa (Tungabhadra confluence area) | South India |
| Bharatpuzha | Nila | South India (Kerala) |
Therefore, comparing the given options with their known historical names confirms that the Jhelum River corresponds to the ancient Vitasta.
Revision Table: Ancient and Modern River Names
| Ancient Name | Modern Name |
|---|---|
| Vitasta | Jhelum |
| Asikni | Chenab |
| Parushni | Ravi |
| Vipas | Beas |
| Sutudri | Sutlej |
| Sindhu | Indus |
| Saraswati | (Mythological/Dried up river) |
Additional Information: Historical Significance of River Names
The study of ancient river names is crucial for understanding historical geography, ancient texts, and the movements of people in the past. Rivers were central to ancient civilizations, providing water for agriculture, serving as routes for trade and communication, and often holding religious significance. Names like Vitasta offer clues about how these natural features were perceived and referred to by people thousands of years ago, connecting modern geography to ancient history.
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