Vedic Age related short questions pdf
Which one of the following is the oldest Veda?
(A) Yajurveda (B) Rig Veda
(C) Samaveda (D) Atharvaveda
Ans: (B)
The term ‘Aryan’ denotes
(A) An ethnic group
(B) A nomadic people
(C) A speech group
(D) A superior race
Ans: (D)
‘Trayi’ is a name for
(A) Three Vedas
(B) Dharma, Sangha and Buddha
(C) Three Gods in Hindu Pantheon
(D) Three seasons
Ans: (A)
In which Vedic text the term ‘Varna’ is found referred for the first time?
(A) Rig Veda (B) Atharvaveda
(C) Samaveda (D) Yajurveda
Ans: (A)
Meaning of the term ‘Arya’ in classical Sanskrit is
(A) Believer of the God
(B) A hereditary cast
(C) A believer in particular religion
(D) A Noble man
Ans: (D)
Which one of the following four Vedas contains an account of magical charms and spells?
(A) Rig Veda (B) Yajurveda
(C) Atharvaveda (D) Samaveda
Ans: (C)
The ‘Purush Sukta’ related to Varna System is originally found in
(A) Atharvaveda (B) Samaveda
(C) Rig Veda (D) Manusmriti
Ans: (C)
The Rig Veda is the
(A) Collection of hymns
(B) Collection of stories
(C) Collection of words
(D) Text of war
Ans: (A)
In Rig Veda there are….. hymns.
(A) 1028 (B) 1017
(C) 1128 (D) 1020
Ans: (A)
‘Gopatha Brahmana’ is associated with
(A) Yajurveda (B) Samveda
(C) Atharvaveda (D) Rig Veda
Ans: (C)
Which one of the following Brahmana texts belongs to the Rig Veda?
(A) Aitareya Brahmana
(B) Gopatha Brahmana
(C) Shatapatha Brahmana
(D) Taittriya Brahmana
Ans: (A)
Which Mandala of Rig Veda is completely dedicated to ‘Soma’?
(A) Seventh Mandala
(B) Eighth Mandala
(C) Ninth Mandala
(D) Tenth Mandala
Ans: (C)
The compilation of which among the following is based upon the Rig Veda?
(A) Yajurveda (B) Samaveda
(C) Atharvaveda (D) None of these
Ans: (B)
Rights and Rituals related to Yajnas are mentioned in
(A) Rig Veda
(B) Samaveda
(C) Brahmin Granthas
(D) Yajurveda
Ans: (D)
Upanishads are books on
(A) Religion (B) Yoga
(C) Law (D) Philosophy
Ans: (D)
The earliest evidence of the use of iron in India has been discovered from
(A) Taxila (B) Atranjikhera
(C) Kaushambi (D) Hastinapur
Ans: (B)
Which one of the following Vedic literature talks about salvation?
(A) Rig Veda
(B) Later Samhitas
(C) Brahmins
(D) Upanishads
Ans: (D)
The main theme of Upanishads is
(A) Social structure
(B) Philosophy
(C) Law
(D) State
Ans: (B)
‘Nachiketa’ Legend finds mention in
(A) Atharvaveda
(B) Satapatha Brahmin
(C) Kathopanishad
(D) Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Ans: (C)
The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the
(A) Brihadadranyaka Upanishad
(B) Chhandogyopanishad
(C) Kathopanishad
(D) Kenopanishad
Ans: (C)
Which of the following is the correct order of the Vedic literature?
(A) Vedic Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads
(B) Vedic Samhitas, Upanishads, Aranyakas, Brahmanas
(C) Vedic Samhitas, Aranyakas, Brahmanas, Upanishads
(D) Vedic Samhitas, Vedangas, Aranyakas, Smritis
Ans: (A)
King Asvapati of the Upanishadic period was the ruler of
(A) Kashi (B) Kekaya
(C) Panchala (D) Videha
Ans: (B)
Vedic river Askini is identified with which one of the following rivers?
(A) Beas (B) Ravi
(C) Chenab (D) Jhelum
Ans: (C)
The river most mentioned in early Vedic literature is
(A) Sindhu (B) Shutudri
(C) Sarasvati (D) Ganga
Ans: (A)
The Vedic river Kubha was located in
(A) Afghanistan
(B) Chinese Turkistan
(C) Kashmir
(D) Punjab
Ans: (A)
Which of the following rivers mentioned in the Rig Veda indicates the relations of Aryans with Afghanistan?
(A) Askini
(B) Parushni
(C) Kubha, Kramu
(D) Vipasha, Shutudri
Ans: (C)
Which of the following custom emerged during the Tetrad post- Vedic period?
(A) Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha
(B) Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra
(C) Brahmcharya, Grihasthaashramas, Vanaprastha, Sanyasa
(D) Indra, Surya, Rudra, Maruta
Ans: (C)
In the period of Mahabharata, the name of Mahanadi was
(A) Kaveri
(B) Tapti
(C) Mahananda
(D) None of the above
Ans: (D)
Who among the following was a Brahmavadini who composed some hymns of the Vedas?
(A) Lopamudra (B) Gargi
(C) Leelavati (D) Savitri
Ans: (A)
Who among the following Vedic deities was believed to be their priest?
(A) Agni (B) Brihaspati
(C) Dyaus (D) Indra
Ans: (B)
During the Rig Vedic period Nishka was an ornament of
(A) Ear (B) Neck
(C) Arm (D) Wrist
Ans: (B)
During the Rigvedic Period word ‘Nishka’ was used for a Jewellery but in later period it was used for the meaning of
(A) Arms
(B) Farming equipment
(C) Script
(D) Coin
Ans: (D)
Boghaz-Koi is important because
(A) It was an important trading centre between Central Asia and Tibet
(B) Inscriptions were found which mentioned the names of Vedic Gods and Goddesses
(C) Original Texts of the Vedas were composed here
(D) None of the above
Ans: (B)
Nishka’ in ancient India was known as
(A) Gold ornament
(B) Cows
(C) Copper Coins
(D) Silver Coins
Ans: (A)
An inscription of 14th century B.C. which describes the Vedic-Gods has been found in
(A) Ecbatana (B) Boghaz-Koi
(C) Babylon (D) Bisotun
Ans: (B)
Which of the following inscriptions tells about the Aryan’s movement of Aryan from Iran to India?
(A) Man Sehra (B) Shahbazgarhi
(C) Boghaz-Koi (D) Junagarh
Ans: (C)
The name of scripture in which ‘Purusha Medha’ was mentioned is
(A) Krishna Yajurveda
(B) Shukla Yajurveda
(C) Shatpath Brahmana
(D) Panchvish Brahmana
Ans: (C)
Who among the following wrote on the original homeland of the Aryans?
(A) Sankaracharya
(B) Annie Besant
(C) Vivekanand
(D) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Ans: (D)
In the post-Vedic period which was considered as the axis of Aryan Culture?
(A) Anga, Magadha
(B) Kosal, Videha
(C) Kuru, Panchala
(D) Matsya, Shurasena
Ans: (A)
The priest associated with King Videgha Madhava referred in Shatapatha Brahmana was
(A) Rishi Bhardwaj
(B) Rishi Vashishta
(C) Rishi Vishwamitra
(D) Rishi Gautama Rahugana
Ans: (D)
The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of
(A) Bhakti
(B) Image worship and yajnas
(C) Worship of nature and yajnas
(D) Worship of nature and bhakti
Ans: (C)
The word Gotra occurs for the first time in
(A) Atharvaveda (B) Rig Veda
(C) Samaveda (D) Yajurveda
Ans: (B)
Famous Battle of ‘Ten Kings’ was fought on the bank of the river
(A) The Ganges (B) Brahmaputra
(C) Kaveri (D) Parushni
Ans: (D)
In the Rigvedic period, people believed mainly in
(A) Idol worship
(B) One God belief
(C) Goddess worship
(D) Sacrifice and rituals
Ans: (D)
Which of the following river among the following referred as ‘Matetama’, ‘Devitama’ and ‘Naditama’ in the Rig Veda?
(A) Sindhu (B) Saraswati
(C) Vitasta (D) Yamuna
Ans: (B)
The famous battle of ‘Ten Kings’ as described in the Rig Veda was fought on the bank of
(A) Parushni (B) Saraswati
(C) Vipasa (D) Asikni
Ans: (A)
In the ancient period chieflivelihood of the Aryans was
(A) Agriculture (B) Hunting
(C) Artcraft (D) Business
Ans: (B)
Give the name of the tribe which is not related to the ‘Panchjana’ of the Rig Veda Aryans?
(A) Yadu (B) Puru
(C) Turvasa (D) Kikat
Ans: (D)
The System of Governance prevalent in the Vedic era was
(A) Autocratic
(B) Democratic
(C) Republic
(D) Descended monarchy
Ans: (D
The Rigvedic tribal assembly associated with judicial function was
(A) Sabha (B) Samiti
(C) Vidhata (D) All of these
Ans: (A)
‘Ayurveda’ that is ‘Science of Life’ appeared first in
(A) Aranyaka (B) Samveda
(C) Yajurveda (D) Atharvaveda
Ans: (D)
In which of the Vedas, Sabha and Samiti are called as two daughters of Prajapati?
(A) Rig Veda (B) Samveda
(C) Yajurveda (D) Atharvaveda
Ans: (D)
The largest number of Rigvedic hymns are devoted to
(A) Agni (B) Indra
(C) Rudra (D) Vishnu
Ans: (B)
Rig-vedic religion was
(A) Polytheistic (B) Monotheistic
(C) Monistic (D) Libertarian
Ans: (A)
Who among the following is regarded as War-God in the Rig Veda?
(A) Agni (B) Indra
(C) Surya (D) Varuna
Ans: (B)
The largest number of the Mantras in Rig Veda belongs to
(A) Agni (B) Varuna
(C) Vishnu (D) Yama
Ans: (A)
Who among the following was the most popular God of the early Vedic Aryans?
(A) Varuna (B) Vishnu
(C) Rudra (D) Indra
Ans: (D)
Who of the following Gods was considered as War-God in the Vedic Pantheon?
(A) Varuna (B) Indra
(C) Agni (D) Mitra
Ans: (B)
Gayatri Mantra is found in which book?
(A) Upanishad (B) Bhagwatgita
(C) Rig Veda (D) Yajurveda
Ans: (C)
800 B.C. to 600 B.C. is related to which era?
(A) Brahmin (B) Sutra
(C) Ramayana (D) Mahabharata
Ans: (A)
Who composed the Gayatri Mantra?
(A) Vasishtha (B) Vishwamitra
(C) Indra (D) Parikshit
Ans: (B)
The ‘Mantra’ famous with the name of ‘Gayatri Mantra’ found in which of the following scriptures?
(A) Bhagwatgita (B) Atharvaveda
(C) Rig Veda (D) Manusmriti
Ans: (C)
The number of Puranas is
(A) 16 (B) 18
(C) 19 (D) 21
Ans: (B)
Sarga, Pratisarga, Vansa, Manvantara and Vanshanucharita are the indicators of
(A) Vedas (B) Puranas
(C) Upanishads (D) Sutras
Ans: (B)
Originally, the Mahabharata was known as
(A) Brihatkatha
(B) Brahmins
(C) Brihatsamhita
(D) Jayasamhita
Ans: (D)
In which language was the ‘Shrimad Bhagavad Gita’ originally written?
(A) Sanskrit (B) Urdu
(C) Pali (D) Hindi
Ans: (A)
According to Hindu mythology, which serpent offered himself as a rope for churning the ocean?
(A) Kalia (B) Vasuki
(C) Pushkar (D) Sheshnag
Ans: (B)
In Mahabharat by what name were the Kuninda-kings known?
(A) Sarvasrestha (B) Madhyam
(C) Dwij Srestha (D) Dwij
Ans: (C)
From which Upanishad, the words ‘Satyameva Jayate’ have been taken?
(A) Mandukopanishad
(B) Kathopnishad
(C) Chhandogyopanishad
(D) None of the above
Ans: (D)
In which phase, the concept of untouchability was put clearly?
(A) Rigvedic phase
(B) Later Vedic phase
(C) Later Gupta phase
(D) Dharmashastra phase
Ans: (D)
‘Satyamev Jayate’ which is engraved on the Indian Emblem has been taken from
(A) Rig Veda
(B) Bhagavad Gita
(C) Mundakopanishad
(D) Matsya Purana
Ans: (C)
From where the word ‘Satyameva Jayate’ taken?
(A) Manusmriti
(B) Bhagavad Gita
(C) Rig Veda
(D) Mundakopanishad
Ans: (D)
The legend of Satyakam Jabal, which challenges the stigma of being an unmarried mother, is mentioned in
(A) Jabal Upanishad
(B) Prashnopanishad
(C) Chhandogya Upanishad
(D) Kathopanishad
Ans: (C)
The Statement ‘Tamsoma Jyotirgamaya’ was originally mentioned in
(A) Upanishadas
(B) Mahakavyas
(C) Puranas
(D) Shaddarshanas
Ans: (A)
Fundamental or basic script of the ‘Rig Veda’ was
(A) Devnagri
(B) Kharoshthi
(C) Pali
(D) Brahmi
Ans: (D)
The literal meaning of which Upanishada is white horse?
(A) Kathopanishad
(B) Chhandogya Upanishad
(C) Taittriya Upanishad
(D) Shavetashvatara
Ans: (D)
There is a similarity in Avesta and the Rig Veda, from which region the Avesta is related to
(A) India (B) Iran
(C) Israel (D) Egypt
Ans: (B)
In the Vedic rituals HOTA is associated with the
(A) Rig Veda
(B) Yajurvaveda
(C) Samaveda
(D) Atharvaveda
Ans: (A)
Aghanya in Rig Veda is mentioned for
(A) Goat (B) Cow
(C) Elephant (D) Horse
Ans: (B)
Which of the following animals was considered as ‘Aghanya’ during the Vedic period?
(A) Bull (B) Sheep
(C) Cow (D) Elephant
Ans: (C)
In the early Rigvedic period, what was considered to be the most valuable property?
(A) Land (B) Cow
(C) Women (D) Water
Ans: (B)
The name ‘Aghanya’ mentioned in many passages of the Rig Veda refers to
(A) Priest (B) Women
(C) Cow (D) Brahmanas
Ans: (C)
In the context of ancient Indian society which one of the following terms does not belong to the category of the other three?
(A) Kula (B) Vansha
(C) Kosa (D) Gotra
Ans: (C)
In context on Indian culture ‘Rit’ means
(A) Natural law (B) Artificial law
(C) Human law (D) Social law
Ans: (A)
The teacher who taught ‘Ved- Vedanga’ for livelihood, was called
(A) Acharya (B) Adhvaryu
(C) Upadhyaya (D) Purohita
Ans: (C)
What is the total number of Sanskaras?
(A) 10 (B) 12
(C) 15 (D) 16
Ans: (D)
Okay, here are 100 multiple-choice questions about the Vedic Age with answers, focusing on frequently asked questions in exams:
The Vedic Age in India spans from approximately:
(a) 3500 – 2500 BCE
(b) 2500 – 1500 BCE
(c) 1500 – 600 BCE
(d) 600 – 300 BCE
Answer: (c) 1500 – 600 BCE
The term ‘Veda’ literally means:
(a) Knowledge
(b) Wisdom
(c) Truth
(d) Sacred text
Answer: (a) Knowledge
The earliest Veda is the:
(a) Rigveda
(b) Samaveda
(c) Yajurveda
(d) Atharvaveda
Answer: (a) Rigveda
The Rigveda is a collection of:
(a) Prose narratives
(b) Hymns
(c) Philosophical treatises
(d) Magical spells
Answer: (b) Hymns
How many Mandalas (books) are there in the Rigveda?
(a) 8
(b) 10
(c) 12
(d) 14
Answer: (b) 10
The Gayatri Mantra is found in which Veda?
(a) Rigveda
(b) Samaveda
(c) Yajurveda
(d) Atharvaveda
Answer: (a) Rigveda
The Samaveda is primarily concerned with:
(a) Hymns related to warfare
(b) Melodies and chants
(c) Rituals and sacrifices
(d) Spells and incantations
Answer: (b) Melodies and chants
The Yajurveda deals with:
(a) Medical knowledge
(b) Procedures for sacrifices and rituals
(c) Philosophical discussions
(d) Poetic compositions
Answer: (b) Procedures for sacrifices and rituals
The Atharvaveda is a collection of:
(a) Hymns to nature gods
(b) Mantras and spells for various purposes
(c) Rules of social conduct
(d) Stories of kings and heroes
Answer: (b) Mantras and spells for various purposes
The Upanishads are philosophical texts associated with the:
(a) Vedas
(b) Brahmanas
(c) Aranyakas
(d) Sutras
Answer: (a) Vedas
The Upanishads primarily discuss:
(a) Ritualistic practices
(b) Social organization
(c) Philosophy and metaphysics
(d) Political administration
Answer: (c) Philosophy and metaphysics
The concept of ‘Karma’ is first clearly explained in the:
(a) Rigveda
(b) Upanishads
(c) Brahmanas
(d) Aranyakas
Answer: (b) Upanishads
The term ‘Satyameva Jayate’ (Truth alone triumphs) is taken from which Upanishad?
(a) Mundaka Upanishad
(b) Chandogya Upanishad
(c) Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(d) Katha Upanishad
Answer: (a) Mundaka Upanishad
The Brahmanas are texts that explain:
(a) The philosophical meaning of the Vedas
(b) The rituals and sacrifices mentioned in the Vedas
(c) The social structure of the Vedic period
(d) The scientific knowledge of the Vedic people
Answer: (b) The rituals and sacrifices mentioned in the Vedas
The Aranyakas are also known as:
(a) Forest Books
(b) City Books
(c) Village Books
(d) Royal Books
Answer: (a) Forest Books
The Aranyakas deal with:
(a) Domestic rituals
(b) Philosophical interpretations of rituals for hermits
(c) Rules of warfare
(d) Agricultural practices
Answer: (b) Philosophical interpretations of rituals for hermits
The earliest Indo-Aryan settlements in India were primarily in the region of:
(a) The Gangetic plains
(b) The Indus Valley and its tributaries
(c) The Deccan plateau
(d) South India
Answer: (b) The Indus Valley and its tributaries (Sapt Sindhu)
The social division during the early Vedic period was primarily based on:
(a) Birth
(b) Occupation
(c) Wealth
(d) Lineage
Answer: (b) Occupation
The term ‘Varna’ was initially used to refer to:
(a) Caste
(b) Social class
(c) Color
(d) Religious sect
Answer: (c) Color
The four Varnas mentioned in the Purusha Sukta of the Rigveda are:
(a) Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra
(b) Priest, Warrior, Trader, Servant
(c) Scholar, Ruler, Merchant, Laborer
(d) Teacher, Soldier, Farmer, Artisan
Answer: (a) Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra
The head of a tribe during the Vedic period was called:
(a) Senani
(b) Gramani
(c) Rajan
(d) Purohita
Answer: (c) Rajan
The Sabha and Samiti during the Vedic period were:
(a) Types of religious rituals
(b) Tribal assemblies
(c) Military units
(d) Administrative divisions
Answer: (b) Tribal assemblies
The primary occupation of the early Vedic people was:
(a) Trade
(b) Agriculture and cattle rearing
(c) Hunting and gathering
(d) Craft production
Answer: (b) Agriculture and cattle rearing
The most important animal for the early Vedic Aryans was:
(a) Horse
(b) Cow
(c) Sheep
(d) Goat
Answer: (b) Cow
The term ‘Janapada’ refers to:
(a) A religious community
(b) A territorial unit or kingdom
(c) A type of social gathering
(d) A school of philosophy
Answer: (b) A territorial unit or kingdom
The later Vedic period saw a shift in the center of Aryan culture from:
(a) The Indus Valley to the Gangetic plains
(b) The Gangetic plains to the Deccan plateau
(c) The Indus Valley to South India
(d) Central India to North India
Answer: (a) The Indus Valley to the Gangetic plains
The importance of which of the following increased during the later Vedic period?
(a) Sabha and Samiti
(b) Tribal assemblies
(c) Large kingdoms and territorial states
(d) Pastoralism
Answer: (c) Large kingdoms and territorial states
The institution of Varna became more rigid during the:
(a) Early Vedic period
(b) Later Vedic period
(c) Gupta period
(d) Mauryan period
Answer: (b) Later Vedic period
The chief god of the early Vedic Aryans was:
(a) Vishnu
(b) Shiva
(c) Indra
(d) Brahma
Answer: (c) Indra
Agni, in the Rigveda, is the god of:
(a) Wind
(b) Fire
(c) Rain
(d) Sun
Answer: (b) Fire
Varuna, in the Rigveda, is associated with:
(a) Justice and cosmic order
(b) Strength and courage
(c) Prosperity and wealth
(d) Knowledge and wisdom
Answer: (a) Justice and cosmic order
Soma was a Vedic deity associated with:
(a) Healing herbs
(b) An intoxicating drink
(c) Agriculture
(d) Music
Answer: (b) An intoxicating drink
Ushas is the Vedic goddess of:
(a) Night
(b) Dawn
(c) Earth
(d) Rivers
Answer: (b) Dawn
The concept of ‘Rta’ in the Vedic period referred to:
(a) Moral law
(b) Cosmic order and natural law
(c) Social customs
(d) Religious rituals
Answer: (b) Cosmic order and natural law
The practice of Sati was:
(a) Prevalent during the early Vedic period
(b) Not widely prevalent during the Vedic period
(c) A central religious ritual
(d) Encouraged by the scriptures
Answer: (b) Not widely prevalent during the Vedic period
Child marriage was:
(a) Common during the early Vedic period
(b) Not a common practice during the Vedic period
(c) Mandated by religious texts
(d) Introduced during the later Vedic period
Answer: (b) Not a common practice during the Vedic period
The term ‘Ayas’ in the Rigveda refers to:
(a) Gold
(b) Silver
(c) Copper or Bronze
(d) Iron
Answer: (c) Copper or Bronze
Iron was introduced during the:
(a) Early Vedic period
(b) Later Vedic period
(c) Indus Valley Civilization
(d) Mauryan period
Answer: (b) Later Vedic period
The use of iron led to:
(a) Decline in agricultural production
(b) More effective tools and weapons
(c) Increased trade with other civilizations
(d) Simplification of social hierarchy
Answer: (b) More effective tools and weapons
The Gandhara school of art flourished during the:
(a) Vedic period
(b) Mauryan period
(c) Kushan period
(d) Gupta period
Answer: (c) Kushan period (Note: This is post-Vedic, but often confused)
The Vedic literature is primarily composed in:
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Prakrit
(c) Pali
(d) Tamil
Answer: (a) Sanskrit
The four Ashramas (stages of life) became well-established during the:
(a) Early Vedic period
(b) Later Vedic period
(c) Mauryan period
(d) Gupta period
Answer: (b) Later Vedic period
The four Ashramas are:
(a) Student, Householder, Hermit, Ascetic
(b) Child, Youth, Adult, Old
(c) Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra
(d) King, Priest, Merchant, Farmer
Answer: (a) Student, Householder, Hermit, Ascetic
The concept of ‘moksha’ (liberation) is a central theme in the:
(a) Early Vedic hymns
(b) Later Vedic Upanishads
(c) Brahmanas
(d) Aranyakas
Answer: (b) Later Vedic Upanishads
The rivers mentioned most frequently in the Rigveda are:
(a) Ganges and Yamuna
(b) Indus and Saraswati
(c) Godavari and Krishna
(d) Brahmaputra and Sutlej
Answer: (b) Indus and Saraswati
The battle of ten kings (Dasarajna War) mentioned in the Rigveda was fought on the banks of which river?
(a) Indus
(b) Ravi (Parushni)
(c) Beas (Vipash)
(d) Sutlej (Shutudri)
Answer: (b) Ravi (Parushni)
The Janapada that rose to prominence in the later Vedic period was:
(a) Magadha
(b) Kosala
(c) Kuru
(d) Gandhara
Answer: (c) Kuru
The Vedic period is followed by the:
(a) Indus Valley Civilization
(b) Mauryan Empire
(c) Epic Age
(d) Gupta Empire
Answer: (c) Epic Age
The two great epics of India, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are associated with the:
(a) Vedic period
(b) Later Vedic period
(c) Epic Age
(d) Mauryan period
Answer: (c) Epic Age
The Vedic religion gradually transformed into:
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Hinduism
(d) Islam
Answer: (c) Hinduism
The term ‘Gotra’ originally referred to:
(a) A religious sect
(b) A lineage or clan
(c) A type of sacrifice
(d) A social gathering
Answer: (b) A lineage or clan
The importance of sacrifices increased significantly during the:
(a) Early Vedic period
(b) Later Vedic period
(c) Upanishadic period
(d) Epic Age
Answer: (b) Later Vedic period
The ‘Ashvamedha’ was a famous Vedic:
(a) Philosophical debate
(b) Horse sacrifice
(c) Type of marriage
(d) Form of government
Answer: (b) Horse sacrifice
The ‘Rajasuya’ sacrifice was performed by:
(a) Priests
(b) Kings at their coronation
(c) Common people for prosperity
(d) Warriors before battle
Answer: (b) Kings at their coronation
The ‘Vajapeya’ sacrifice involved:
(a) A chariot race
(b) Offering of Soma
(c) Animal sacrifice
(d) Public debate
Answer: (a) A chariot race
The concept of ‘reincarnation’ is developed in the:
(a) Early Vedas
(b) Later Upanishads
(c) Brahmanas
(d) Aranyakas
Answer: (b) Later Upanishads
The Vedic education system emphasized:
(a) Military training
(b) Vocational skills
(c) Oral transmission of knowledge
(d) Written texts
Answer: (c) Oral transmission of knowledge
The teachers in the Vedic period were known as:
(a) Shishyas
(b) Gurus or Acharyas
(c) Rajas
(d) Purohitas
Answer: (b) Gurus or Acharyas
Students in the Vedic period typically lived with their:
(a) Parents
(b) Gurus
(c) Relatives
(d) In boarding schools
Answer: (b) Gurus
The primary language of religious rituals during the Vedic period was:
(a) Prakrit
(b) Pali
(c) Sanskrit
(d) Tamil
Answer: (c) Sanskrit
The Vedic deities were often associated with:
(a) Abstract philosophical concepts
(b) Natural forces and phenomena
(c) Historical figures
(d) Animals
Answer: (b) Natural forces and phenomena
‘Prithvi’ in the Rigveda is the goddess of:
(a) Sky
(b) Earth
(c) Fire
(d) Water
Answer: (b) Earth
‘Dyaus’ in the Rigveda is the god of:
(a) Earth
(b) Sky
(c) Wind
(d) Sun
Answer: (b) Sky
The Vedic people had a well-developed understanding of:
(a) Astronomy
(b) Mathematics
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
Answer: (c) Both (a) and (b)
The Sulba Sutras are related to:
(a) Vedic rituals
(b) Mathematics and geometry
(c) Astronomy
(d) Medicine
Answer: (b) Mathematics and geometry
The Vedic economy was primarily:
(a) Industrial
(b) Agrarian and pastoral
(c) Trade-based
(d) Service-oriented
Answer: (b) Agrarian and pastoral
The unit of currency during the Vedic period was often:
(a) Gold coins
(b) Silver coins
(c) Cows
(d) Barter system only
Answer: (c) Cows
The term ‘Gramani’ in the Vedic period referred to the head of a:
(a) Tribe
(b) Village
(c) Army unit
(d) Religious order
Answer: (b) Village
The term ‘Gramani’ in the Vedic period referred to the head of a:
(a) Tribe
(b) Village
(c) Army unit
(d) Religious order
Answer: (b) Village
The term ‘Vis’ in the Vedic period referred to:
(a) A religious ritual
(b) A clan or tribal division
(c) A type of weapon
(d) A social custom
Answer: (b) A clan or tribal division
The term ‘Jana’ in the Vedic period referred to:
(a) A sacrifice
(b) A tribe or people
(c) A type of song
(d) A social class
Answer: (b) A tribe or people
The Vedic pantheon included both male and female deities, indicating:
(a) A matriarchal society
(b) A patriarchal society
(c) A balanced view of gender
(d) Influence of other cultures
Answer: (c) A balanced view of gender
The concept of ‘Atman’ (soul) and ‘Brahman’ (ultimate reality) is central to the:
(a) Early Vedic hymns
(b) Later Vedic Upanishads
(c) Brahmanas
(d) Aranyakas
Answer: (b) Later Vedic Upanishads
The Vedic period witnessed the development of early forms of:
(a) Democracy
(b) Monarchy and tribal chiefdoms
(c) Republics
(d) Oligarchies
Answer: (b) Monarchy and tribal chiefdoms
The role of the ‘Purohita’ (priest) in the Vedic society was primarily:
(a) Military leadership
(b) Performing religious rituals and advising the king
(c) Managing trade and commerce
(d) Administering justice
Answer: (b) Performing religious rituals and advising the king
The ‘Senani’ in the Vedic period was the:
(a) Chief judge
(b) Commander of the army
(c) Head of the village
(d) Royal treasurer
Answer: (b) Commander of the army
The Vedic people used chariots extensively for:
(a) Agricultural purposes
(b) Warfare and transportation
(c) Religious processions
(d) Hunting
Answer: (b) Warfare and transportation
The spoked wheel is considered a significant invention of the:
(a) Indus Valley Civilization
(b) Vedic Aryans
(c) Mauryan period
(d) Gupta period
Answer: (b) Vedic Aryans
The Vedic Aryans had knowledge of various crafts, including:
(a) Pottery and weaving
(b) Metalworking and carpentry
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
Answer: (c) Both (a) and (b)
The rivers of Punjab played a significant role in the early Vedic period. The ancient name of the river Beas was:
(a) Vipash
(b) Parushni
(c) Shutudri
(d) Vitasta
Answer: (a) Vipash
The ancient name of the river Ravi was:
(a) Vipash
(b) Parushni
(c) Shutudri
(d) Vitasta
Answer: (b) Parushni
The ancient name of the river Sutlej was:
(a) Vipash
(b) Parushni
(c) Shutudri
(d) Vitasta
Answer: (c) Shutudri
The ancient name of the river Jhelum was:
(a) Vipash
(b) Parushni
(c) Shutudri
(d) Vitasta
Answer: (d) Vitasta
The concept of ‘Dharma’ in the later Vedic period came to emphasize:
(a) Personal freedom
(b) Social duties and obligations
(c) Ritualistic purity only
(d) Material prosperity
Answer: (b) Social duties and obligations
The Vedic sacrifices were primarily aimed at:
(a) Pleasing the gods and maintaining cosmic order
(b) Demonstrating the power of the priests
(c) Accumulating wealth
(d) Promoting social equality
Answer: (a) Pleasing the gods and maintaining cosmic order
The Upanishads are considered the source of:
(a) Early Vedic rituals
(b) Indian philosophy and spirituality
(c) Political science in ancient India
(d) Medical knowledge in the Vedic period
Answer: (b) Indian philosophy and spirituality
The Vedic period laid the foundation for many aspects of later Indian culture, including:
(a) Language and literature
(b) Religion and philosophy
(c) Social structure
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
The study of the Vedic period is primarily based on:
(a) Archaeological excavations only
(b) Literary sources (Vedas and related texts)
(c) Accounts of foreign travelers
(d) Inscriptions and coins
Answer: (b) Literary sources (Vedas and related texts)
The transition from the early to the later Vedic period was marked by:
(a) A decline in agricultural practices
(b) Increased urbanization
(c) Social stratification and the rise of larger kingdoms
(d) A shift towards monotheism
Answer: (c) Social stratification and the rise of larger kingdoms
The Vedic people’s understanding of medicine is evident in the hymns that mention:
(a) Surgical procedures
(b) Use of herbs for healing
(c) Advanced anatomical knowledge
(d) Germ theory of disease
Answer: (b) Use of herbs for healing
The Vedic Aryans were originally:
(a) Indigenous to India
(b) Migrants from Central Asia
(c) From Southeast Asia
(d) From Mesopotamia
Answer: (b) Migrants from Central Asia (This is the most widely accepted theory)
The term ‘arya’ in the Vedic texts generally means:
(a) A specific racial group
(b) Noble or cultured
(c) A religious leader
(d) A warrior class
Answer: (b) Noble or cultured
The non-Aryan people encountered by the Vedic Aryans were referred to as:
(a) Dasas and Dasyus
(b) Dravidians
(c) Mongoloids
(d) Persians
Answer: (a) Dasas and Dasyus
The relationship between the Vedic Aryans and the indigenous populations was characterized by:
(a) Complete assimilation
(b) Conflict and gradual integration
(c) Peaceful coexistence from the beginning
(d) The indigenous people dominating the Aryans
Answer: (b) Conflict and gradual integration
The Vedic texts provide insights into the early development of:
(a) Indian music and dance
(b) Indian astronomy and mathematics
(c) Indian social and political institutions
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
The later Vedic period saw the rise of powerful Janapadas, which eventually led to the:
(a) Decline of Vedic culture
(b) Formation of the Mahajanapadas
(c) Establishment of the Mauryan Empire
(d) Emergence of Buddhism and Jainism
Answer: (b) Formation of the Mahajanapadas
The Vedic worldview emphasized the importance of:
(a) Individual salvation only
(b) Harmony between humans and nature
(c) Material wealth as the ultimate goal
(d) Strict asceticism from a young age
Answer: (b) Harmony between humans and nature
The Vedic sacrifices often involved offerings of:
(a) Human beings
(b) Animals, grains, and clarified butter (ghee)
(c) Precious metals only
(d) Flowers and fruits only
Answer: (b) Animals, grains, and clarified butter (ghee)
The Vedic language, Sanskrit, belongs to the:
(a) Dravidian language family
(b) Indo-Aryan language family
(c) Sino-Tibetan language family
(d) Austroasiatic language family
Answer: (b) Indo-Aryan language family
The study of the Vedic period is crucial for understanding the roots of:
(a) Only Indian religion
(b) Only Indian philosophy
(c) A wide range of Indian cultural traditions
(d) Only Indian art and architecture
Answer: (c) A wide range of Indian cultural traditions