UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2026

In which one among the following texts does the term kshetra-patni ('mistress of the field') originate?

  1. Rigveda
  2. Atharvaveda
  3. Ashtadhyayi
  4. Arthashastra

Answer

Correct Answer

Atharvaveda

Explanation

The term kshetra-patni, meaning 'mistress of the field', occurs in the Atharvaveda in the context of agricultural and fertility-related ritual traditions. The Rigveda contains related references to the field deity kshetrapati, but the feminine expression asked in the question is associated with the Atharvaveda.

Topics: agricultural traditions, ancient history, atharvaveda, vedic literature