Correct option is D
The correct answer is
A, B, C, D, E because all five women—Maitreyi, Viswambhara, Apala, Gargi, and Lopamudra—are mentioned in various texts and traditions associated with Vedic scholarship and spiritual discourse. Each of them has made significant contributions or has been recognized for their philosophical and spiritual endeavors in ancient Indian literature. While the evidence about Viswambhara is less prominent compared to the others, her inclusion is based on later interpretations and associations with the Vedic tradition.
Information Booster: 1.
Maitreyi (A): Featured in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Maitreyi is renowned for her intellectual debates with Yajnavalkya on the nature of the self and immortality.
2.
Viswambhara (B): Though less prominently mentioned, Viswambhara is often acknowledged in the context of women participating in spiritual practices and discourses during the Vedic period.
3.
Apala (C): A Vedic poetess, Apala composed hymns in the Rigveda and was celebrated for her spiritual insights and connection to healing powers.
4.
Gargi (D): Known as a Brahmavadini, Gargi is famous for her philosophical questions on metaphysics in King Janaka's court, as described in the Upanishads.
5.
Lopamudra (E): A composer of hymns in the Rigveda, Lopamudra was also a spiritual partner of Sage Agastya, emphasizing prosperity and philosophical ideals.