'Shukla' (white) and 'Krishna' (black) are the two branches of which Veda?

The Yajurveda is the Veda of sacrificial formulae. The word comes from "yajus", meaning "sacrificial formula" or "worship". It contains the mantras and detailed instructions for performing yajnas (sacrifices and rituals). It was used mainly by the Adhvaryu priests, who were responsible for the practical performance of the sacrifice, such as preparing the altar, the sacred fire and the offerings. Unlike the Rigveda, which is entirely in verse, the Yajurveda contains both verse and prose.

The Yajurveda has two main branches (recensions):

Shukla Yajurveda (White Yajurveda): Its main text is the Vajasaneyi Samhita, traditionally associated with the sage Yajnavalkya. It contains only the mantras (sacrificial formulae), clearly separated from the explanations, which are given in a separate text, the Shatapatha Brahmana. It is called "white" because it is clear and well-arranged. Its main Upanishads are the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the largest Upanishad, and the Isha (Ishavasya) Upanishad.

Krishna Yajurveda (Black Yajurveda): Its main texts include the Taittiriya Samhita, the Maitrayani Samhita and the Kathaka Samhita. It mixes the mantras with prose explanations and commentary on the rituals, which is why it is called "black", meaning mixed or unclear. Its Upanishads include the Katha Upanishad (the dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama, the god of death) and the Taittiriya Upanishad.

According to tradition, the sage Yajnavalkya received the Shukla Yajurveda directly from the Sun god after a dispute with his teacher Vaishampayana, who taught the Krishna Yajurveda.

The Yajurveda gives valuable information about the social and religious life of the later Vedic period (about 1000-600 BCE), when rituals became more complex, the varna system became more rigid and the power of priests increased. It mentions royal sacrifices such as the Rajasuya (consecration of a king), Vajapeya (a chariot race) and Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice). Its upaveda is Dhanurveda (the science of archery and warfare).

Why not the other options?

• ✗The Rigveda is not divided into white and black branches.
• ✗The Samaveda is the Veda of chants.
• ✗The Atharvaveda deals with charms and spells.