PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2019
Answer
Ten Kings
Explanation
The Rig Veda mentions the famous 'Battle of Ten Kings', also known as 'Dasarajna'. This historical battle is detailed in the 7th Mandala of the Rig Veda. It was fought on the banks of the river Parushni (modern-day Ravi river). The battle was between the Bharata tribe led by King Sudas and a confederation of ten prominent tribes. King Sudas emerged victorious in this epic conflict.
Key Points
- > The Battle of Ten Kings is described in the 7th Mandala of the Rig Veda.
- > The victorious Bharata tribe's name is believed to be the origin of the country's name, 'Bharat'.
- > The war was fought near the Parushni River, which corresponds to the modern Ravi River in Punjab.
- > Sage Vashistha supported King Sudas, while Sage Vishwamitra led the coalition of the ten tribes.
- > The Kurukshetra war is the central conflict detailed in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata.
Additional Information
Vedic Rivers & Historical Significance
| Vedic Name | Modern Name | Historical Association |
|---|---|---|
| Parushni | Ravi | Site of the Battle of Ten Kings |
| Vitasta | Jhelum | Battle of Hydaspes (Alexander vs. Porus) |
| Vipas | Beas | Limit of Alexander's invasion in India |
| Sutudri | Sutlej | Major river of the Punjab region |
| Sarasvati | Dried up / Mythical | Most revered river in the Rig Veda |
Memory Tips
- Ten Kings = Dasarajna: The Sanskrit word for ten is 'Das'.
- Victor: King Sudas of the Bharatas. Remember that India's name 'Bharat' comes from this tribe.