The river most mentioned in early Vedic literature is — UPSC Prelims PYQ 1996

The river most mentioned in early Vedic literature is:

1. Sindhu
2. Sutudri
3. Sarasvati
4. Ganga

Explanation

• In early Vedic literature, particularly the Rig Veda, the Sindhu (Indus) is the most frequently mentioned river, reflecting the core geographic and economic hub of early Aryan settlement.
• Sarasvati: Celebrated as the most sacred, holy, and prominent river (Naditama) in the hymns, though counted fewer times by pure numeric tally than the Sindhu.
• Ganga and Yamuna: Barely mentioned (Ganga once, Yamuna three times), showing that early Vedic culture centered in the northwestern Punjab/Indus region rather than the eastern Gangetic plains.

Answer: (a) Sindhu