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In which one among the following texts does the term kshetra-patni ('mistress of the field') originate?
Explanation
The correct answer is Atharvaveda.
The term kshetra-patni ('mistress of the field' or 'queen of the soil') originates in the Atharvaveda. It is invoked alongside cosmic elements such as heaven, earth, and winds in rituals and incantations to ward off threats to the fields, ensure agricultural prosperity, and neutralize those who obstruct such incantations.
While the masculine counterpart Kshetrapati ('lord of the field') appears earlier in the Rigveda as a tutelary deity of agriculture and agrarian harmony, the feminine counterpart kshetra-patni is specifically attested in the Atharvaveda (e.g., AVŚ 2.12.1). This reflects the Atharvaveda's broader emphasis on practical magic, apotropaic rituals, and the protection of human endeavors against afflictions, sorcery, and disruption.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic bouncer from Ancient Indian History. While standard NCERTs teach you that 'Kshetra' means cultivable land, the exact origin of the compound 'kshetra-patni' requires deep reading of specialized texts like Upinder Singh. It tests your ability to logically deduce the origin of nature-worship terminology.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
This snippet explicitly defines 'Kshetra' as 'Cultivatable land' in the context of ancient land records and inscriptions.
A student can identify 'kshetra' as the first half of the term and infer that 'kshetra-patni' likely refers to a mistress, deity, or protector of the field.
It identifies the Rig Veda as 'India's most ancient text' and notes it is several thousand years old.
When looking for the 'origin' of a Sanskrit term, a student would logically look to the Rig Veda first as it is the oldest recorded source of the language.
It states that the Rig Vedic Samhita reflects the 'political, social and economic aspects of life' through its hymns.
A student could conclude that a term like 'kshetra-patni' (relating to land and social roles) fits the specific thematic content described as being present in the Rig Veda.
This snippet provides examples of Sanskrit terms used for family and lineage (kula, vamsha) and discusses patriliny/matriliny.
A student familiar with Sanskrit would recognize 'patni' (wife/lady) as a kinship term, and this snippet establishes the pattern of using specific Sanskrit terms for social/family roles in ancient texts.
It confirms the Rig Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas and dates it to between 1500 and 1000 BCE.
This reinforces the Rig Veda as the primary candidate for the 'origin' of Vedic Sanskrit terminology.
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SIMILAR QUESTIONS
Which one among the following is the earliest text ?
Which one of the following texts is a commentary written by Chakrapanidatta (11 Century CE from Bengal) on the Sushrut Samhita ?
Which one of the the following usages was a post-Vedic development ?