Puranic Literature

Step 1: Understanding “Irelands” in Purāṇas.
The Purāṇas describe the world as consisting of several “Dvīpas” (islands or continents).
Two of the most famous are Jambudvīpa and Lakṣādvīpa.
Step 2: Jambu Ireland (A).
Jambudvīpa is the central continent where Bhārata (India) is situated.
It is always mentioned as the most important dvīpa in Purāṇic geography.
Step 3: Laksha Ireland (D).
Lakṣādvīpa (Laksha Ireland) is also described in the Purāṇas as one of the important islands.
Step 4: Eliminating others.
- Bhartri Ireland (B): No such dvīpa is described.
- Bhuva Ireland (C): Not mentioned in Purāṇic cosmology.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, the two Irelands described in Purāṇas are Jambu Ireland and Laksha Ireland.

Step 1: Garuda Purāṇa (A).
Garuda Purāṇa is famous for its sections on death rites, afterlife, and descriptions of heaven and hell.
It includes the Pretakalpa, which deals with funeral rites and rituals for the departed. Hence A - III.
Step 2: Markandeya Purāṇa (B).
Markandeya Purāṇa is renowned for containing the Durga Saptashatī (also called Devī Mahatmya), which glorifies Goddess Durgā. Hence B - IV.
Step 3: Skanda Purāṇa (C).
Skanda Purāṇa is the largest Purāṇa and includes many stories, including the Satyanārāyaṇa Vratakathā, which is a popular religious observance. Hence C - I.
Step 4: Śrīmad Bhāgavata Purāṇa (D).
Bhāgavata Purāṇa is dedicated to Lord Kṛṣṇa and contains the Rasapañcādhyāyī (five chapters describing the Rāsalīlā). Hence D - II.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct matching is: A - III, B - IV, C - I, D - II.