Vedic Period

1. The term ‘Aryan’ denotes :

(a) An ethnic group
(b) A nomadic people
(c) A speech group
(d) A superior race

Ans. (c) A speech group

Aryan is a linguistic term indicating a speech group of Indo-European origin and is not an ethnic or racial
term.

2. The meaning of the term ‘Arya’ in classical Sanskrit is

(a) Believer of the God
(b) A hereditary cast
(c) A believer in a particular religion
(d) A Nobleman

Ans. (d) A Nobleman

Aryan is a term which means “noble” and was used by Indo-Iranian people to refer to themselves.
In the olden days, the word Arya was used in India to describe someone who belonged to the upper class.
Scholars believe that the term was used to refer to religious and cultural beliefs, rather than race.

3. Which one of the following is the oldest Veda :

(a) Yajurveda
(b) Rig Veda
(c) Samaveda
(d) Atharvaveda
Ans. (b) Rig Veda

In Indian literature, the oldest scriptures are the Vedas, which are four in total: Rig Veda, Yajurveda,
Samaveda and Atharvaveda.
Rig Veda is the oldest and most important of these.

4. ‘Trayi’ is a name for –

(a) Three Vedas
(b) Dharma, Sangha and Buddha
(c) Three Gods in the Hindu Pantheon
(d) Three seasons

Ans. (a) Three Vedas

The Rig Veda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda are often referred to as the ‘Vedatrayi’ or simple ‘Trayi’.

5. In which Vedic text the term ‘Varna’ is found referred to for the first time?
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Atharvaveda
(c) Samaveda
(d) Yajurveda
Ans. (a) Rig Veda

The ‘Varnas’ were mentioned in the Rig Veda in a hymn. This hymn shows the four classes of people – the
Brahmin (Priest), the Kshatriya (noble), the Vaishya (commoner), and the Shudra (servant).
These classes were said to have come from the mouth, arms, thighs, and feet respectively of the first person
(Purusha).

6. The ‘Purush Sukta’ related to Varna System is originally found in –

(a) Atharvaveda
(b) Samaveda
(c) Rig Veda
(d) Manusmriti
(e) None of these
Ans. (c) Rig Veda

Purusha Sukta:

Brahmanoasyamukhamasida bahu rajanyakriah

Uru tadasyayadvaishyapadabhyamshudroajayat.
(Rigveda 10.90.12, Yajurveda.31.11).

The Varnas have been known since the Rig Veda, which tells of four classes of people who were created
from the mouth, arms, thighs, and feet of the first person.
Varna means ‘color’ or ‘class’ in Sanskrit.

7. Match the following:

Atharvaveda God Grace
Rig Veda Sacrifice process
Yajurveda Medicine
Samaveda Music
Code :
ABCD
(a) 3 1 2 4
(b) 1 2 3 4
(c) 2 3 4 1
(d) 3 4 1 2
Ans. (a) 3 1 2 4

The correctly matched list is as follows –

Atharvaveda Medicine
Rig Veda God’s Grace
Yajurveda Sacrifice process
Samaveda Music

8. Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer from the codes given below :

List- I List- II
Rig Veda Musical hymns
Yajurveda Hymns and rituals
Samaveda Charms and spells
Atharvaveda Hymns and prayers
Code :
ABCD
(a) 4 2 1 3
(b) 3 2 4 1
(c) 4 1 2 3
(d) 2 3 1 4
Ans. (a) 4 2 1 3
The Rigveda have 1028 hymns. The Yajurveda has descriptions of stotras and rituals.
The Samaveda is full of hymns taken from the Rig Veda that are lyrical and melodic.
Atharva Veda with 730 hymns presents a detailed description of the lifestyle of vedic period. It is an
encyclopedia for medicine, and Ayurveda (the science of life) is considered as Upa Veda (supplementary
subject) of the Atharva Veda.

9. In Rig Veda there are…….. mantras –

(a) 1028
(b) 1017
(c) 1128
(d) 1020

Ans. (a) 1028

The Rigveda is made up of 1028 hymns.

10. The Rig Veda is the

(a) Collection of hymns

(b) Collection of stories
(c) Collection of words
(d) Text of war

Ans. (a) Collection of hymns

The Rig Veda is an old set of Sanskrit hymns that were written during early vedic period.
It is one of four special religious texts of Hinduism, called the Vedas.

11. Match the List-I and List-II and choose your answer from the codes given below:

List-I List-II
Rig Veda Gopatha
Samaveda Shatpatha
Atharvaveda Aitariya
Yajurveda Panchvisha
Code:
ABCD

(a) iv ii iii i
(b) ii iv iii i
(c) iii iv i ii
(d) i ii iv iii

Ans. (c) iii iv i ii

The correctly matched order is:

Rig Veda Aitariya
Samaveda Panchvisha
Atharvaveda Gopatha
Yajurveda Shatpatha

12. Which one of the following Brahmana texts belongs to the Rigveda?

(a) Aitareya Brahmana

(b) Gopatha Brahmana
(c) Shatapatha Brahmana
(d) Taittitriya Brahmana
Ans.(a) Aitareya Brahmana

The correctly matched order is:

Rig Veda Aitariya
Samaveda Panchvisha
Atharvaveda Gopatha
Yajurveda Shatpatha

13. ‘Gopatha Brahmana’ is associated with –

(a) Yajurveda
(b) Samveda
(c) Atharvaveda
(d) Rig Veda
Ans.(c) Atharvaveda

The Gopatha Brahmana is the only Brahmana text related to the Atharvaveda.
It is connected to both the Shaunaka and Paippalada versions of the Atharvaveda.
It is a type of prose that provides information about Vedic rituals.

14. Which of the following is a Samhita of Shukla Yajurveda?

(a) Vajasanami
(b) Maitrayani
(c) Taittiriya
(d) Kathak
Ans. (a) Vajasanami

Yajurveda has two parts – Shukla Yajurveda and Krishna Yajurveda.

The text of Shukla Yajurveda is called Vajasnami and is written in a poetic form.
Krishna Yajurveda consists of both poetic and prose.

15. Which Mandala of Rig Veda is completely dedicated to ‘Soma’?

(a) Seventh Mandala

(b) Eighth Mandala
(c) Ninth Mandala
(d) Tenth Mandala
Ans. (c) Ninth Mandala

The Rig Veda is the oldest Veda and it is made up of 10 sections.

The 9th Mandala of the Rig Veda contains 114 verses devoted to the god ‘Soma’.

16. The ninth mandala of the Rig Veda is devoted wholly to:

(a) Indra and his elephant

(b) Urvashi and the Heaven
(c) Gods related to plants and drugs
Ans.(d) ‘Soma’, the god who is named after the drink

The 9th Mandala of the Rigveda is known as the Soma Mandala.

It contains 114 hymns related to Soma Pavamana, or “Purifying Soma”.
Soma is the sacred intoxicator and lord of delight. Pavamana is another name for Soma.
17. Rights and Rituals related to Yajnas are mentioned in–
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Samaveda
(c) Brahmin Granthas
(d) Yajurveda

Ans. (d) Yajurveda

Yajurveda is a Sanskrit word that translates to “wisdom of sacrificie”.

This Veda was made a few hundred years after the Rig-Veda and includes poems and sayings that were to be
spoken by priests during religious rituals and ceremonies.
It also explains in more detail how to do the rituals and ceremonies using the hymns from the Rig Veda.
The Yajur Veda has two parts: Shukla (white) and Krishna (black).
The Shukla Yajur Veda has a text called the Satapatha Brahmana, and the Krishna Yajur Veda has prose text
for discussion.

Q 18. 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) Atharvaveda

The first written record of magical charms and spells is found in Atharvaveda.

19. The compilation of which among the following is based upon the Rig Veda?

(a) Yajurveda
(b) Samaveda
(c) Atharvaveda
(d) None of the above
Ans. (b) Samaveda
The Samaveda is the shortest of the four Vedas, and it is closely connected to the Rig Veda.
Most of its verses are taken from the Rig Veda, and it is made up of 1875 verses.
Out of these, only 75 or 99 verses are not from the Rig Veda, and all of them are meant to be used in rituals
and ceremonies.

20. The earliest evidence of the use of iron in India has been discovered from :

(a) Taxila
(b) Atranjikhera
(c) Kaushambi
(d) Hastinapur

Ans. (b) Atranjikhera

Atranjikhera is an old, excavated archaeological site on the banks of the Kali River, located in Etah of Uttar
Pradesh.
Sir Alexander Cunningham first noticed it in 1862 but it was not until 1962 that R.C. Gaur did excavation
work.
The first evidence of iron found here dates back to 1150 B.C.

21. Upanishads are books on –

(a) Religion
(b) Yoga
(c) Law
(d) Philosophy
Ans. (d) Philosophy

The Upanishads are not a religious book, but instead a set of philosophical principles that are meant to be
followed by all people regardless of their beliefs.
They don’t conflict with any faith or interpretation of religious texts, but they have their own special way of
explaining their concepts.
Upanishad means the students sit close to the teacher (guru) to learn.

22. The main theme of Upanishads is –

(a) Social structure
(b) Philosophy
(c) Law
(d) State
Ans.(b) Philosophy

Upanishads are the final section of the Vedas and are often called Vedanta.
They are the textual basis for one of the most significant schools of philosophy from India.
They are called Jnana-Kanda because they deal with the knowledge portion of the Vedas.
There are believed to be 108 in total, out of which 11 are considered to be the main Upanishads.
They give importance to the worship of one God.

23. Which one of the following Vedic literature talks about salvation :

(a) Rig Veda

(b) Later Samhitas
(c) Brahmins
(d) Upanishads

Ans. (d) Upanishads

The term ‘Moksha’ or ‘salvation’ is not mentioned in the Vedas.

It was first discussed in the Upanishads. It means ‘liberation’.
The main goal of the human soul is not to keep cycling through life and death.
The Upanishads say that the true essence of the self is not the body or the mind, but the Atman (Soul).

24. The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the :
(a) Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(b) Chhandogyopanishad
(c) Kathopanishad
(d) Kenopanishad
Ans. (c) Kathopanishad

The Kathopanishad is a story about a discussion between Yama, the god of death, and Nachiketa, a 12-year-
old boy who left his home to learn more about death and the afterlife.
This story is one of several Upanishads, which is called the Katha Upanishad or Kathopanishad.

25. ‘Nachiketa’ legend finds mention in :

(a) Atharvaveda
(b) Satapatha Brahmin
(c) Kathopanishad
(d) Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Ans. (c) Kathopanishad

Kathopanishad is the story of a discussion between Yama, the ruler of death, and Nachiketa, the son of Sage
Vajasravasa.
The Katha Upanishad is one of the major Upanishads. It belongs to the Kathaka-Säkhä of Krshna-Yajurveda.
Modern scholars believe that it propounds a dualistic philosophy.

26. King Asvapati of the Upanishadic period was the ruler of:

(a) Kashi
(b) Kekaya
(c) Panchala
(d) Videha
Ans. (b) Kekaya

The Upanishads mention some wise Kshatriya kings who taught Brahmins.
These kings included King Janak of Videha, King Pravahanjabali of Panchal, King Asvapati of Kekaya, and
King Ajatshatru of Kashi.
Asvapati was a Kshatriya king who was very knowledgeable and ruled during the time when Janak was king
of Videha.
The Kekaya kingdom was located near the Beas River, east of the Gandhara kingdom.

27. Which of the following is the correct order of the Vedic literature?

(a) Vedic Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads

(b) Vedic Samhitas, Upnishads, Aranyakas, Brahmanas
(c) Vedic Samhitas, Aranyakas, Brahmanas, Upnishads
(d) Vedic Samhitas, Vedangas, Aranyakas, Smritis

Ans. (a) Vedic Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads

The Vedas are split into four sections, in the following order: Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and
Upanishads.
Samhitas and Brahmanas make up the KarmaKanda part.
Aranyakas and Upanishads are part of the Gyan-Kanda section. This section concentrates on philosophy and
spirituality.

28. The river mentioned most in early Vedic literature is :

(a) Sindhu
(b) Shutudri
(c) Sarasvati
(d) Ganga
Ans. (a) Sindhu
The Sindhu river was very important during the Vedic period, and was talked about a lot in the Rig Veda.
Vedic people called it the ‘Hiranyani’ because it was so important economically, and the place it flows into,
the Arabian Sea, was referred to as ‘Peravat’.
The Saraswati river was the holiest river for the Rigvedic Aryans, and it was called ‘Naditama

29. Vedic river Askini is identified with which one of the following rivers?

(a) Beas
(b) Ravi
(c) Chenab
(d) Jhelum
Ans. (c) Chenab
The Askini River from ancient times is now known as the Chenab River, which is also often called
Chandrabhaga.
The Chenab starts at Tandi in Lahul Spiti (Himachal Pradesh), where two rivers, Chandra and Bhaga, join
together.

30. 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) Kubha, Kramu

The Rig Veda mentions four rivers that were located in Afghanistan – the Kubha (Kabul), Kramu (Kurram),
Gomati (Gomal), and Suvastu (Swat).
This shows that the Aryans had strong connections with Afghanistan

31. The Vedic river Kubha was located in:

(a) Afghanistan
(b) Chinese Turkistan
(c) Kashmir
(d) Punjab

Ans. (a) Afghanistan

The Vedic riverKubha is the modern Kabul river. It flows into the Indus river, just above Attock.
The Kubha’s tributaries are the Suvastu (Swat) and Gauri.

Rivers mentioned in Rigveda

32. Match the List-I and List-II and choose the correct answer from the code given below:

List-I (Vedic Rivers) List-II (Modern Name)

Kubha Gandak
Parushni Kabul
Sadaneera Ravi
Shutudri Sutlej
Code:
ABCD
(a) 1 2 4 3
(b) 2 3 1 4
(c) 3 4 2 1
(d) 4 1 3 2
Ans. (b) 2 3 1 4

The rivers given in the options are correctly matched as follows with their modern names –
Kubha Kabul
Parushni Ravi
Sadaneera Gandak
Shutudri Sutlej
Sindhu Indus
Vitasta Jhelum
Askini Chenab
Vipas Beas
Drishdvati Ghagghar

33. In the period of Mahabharata, the name of Mahanadi was

(a) Kaveri
(b) Tapti
(c) Mahananda
(d) Ganga
(e) None of these

Ans. (e) None of these

During the Mahabharata era, the name of the Mahanadi river was Mahanad. During the Mahabharata’s
Bhishma festival, this river was praised as Punayadayini and Sin Vashinini as well.
It was also called Chitrotpala. This is supported by a verse from the Mahabharata and the Mahoba copper
plate of Someshwar Dev.
The Mahanadi river has been known by several names throughout different eras, including:
Ancient era: Kanaknandini
Dvapara Yuga: Chitrotpala
Treta Yuga: Nilotpala
Kali Yuga: Mahanadi or Mahashweta

34. Which of the following customs emerged during the post-Vedic period :

(a) Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha

(b) Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra
(c) Brahmcharya, Grihasthaashramas, Vanaprastha, Sanyasa
(d) Indra, Surya, Rudra, Maruta

Ans. (a) Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha & (c) Brahmcharya, Grihasthaashramas, Vanaprastha, Sanyasa

This system of Ashrams (our stages of life: Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa) is estimated
to have been in practice since the 5th century BC, these stages of life are not a requirement, rather an ideal.
The Purushartha theory (Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha) originated in the Dharmaśāstras, the
Ramayana, and the Mahabharata.
35. The ‘dharma’ and ‘Rita’ depict a central idea of the ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context,
consider the following statements :
1. ‘Dharma’ was a conception of obligations and the discharge of one’s duties to oneself and to others.
2. ‘Rita’ was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (c) Both 1 and 2

Dharma and Rita first appear in the Rig Veda.

Dharma usually refers to a natural or divine law, and Rita is related to the harmony in the world where
everything has a proper place and purpose.
Dharma is associated with personal actions that help maintain the order of the cosmos, while Rita is an
impersonal law. Thus, the correct answer is option (c).

36. Who among the following Vedic deities was believed to be their priest?

(a) Agni
(b) Brihaspati
(c) Dyaus
(d) Indra

Ans. (b) Brihaspati

In Vedic mythology, Brihaspati is a sage and priest or teacher of the gods. He is also called Deva-guru.
He is also known as the “Lord of Sacred Speech”. Brihaspati is the master of sacred wisdom, charms,
hymns, and rites.
He was the counselor of Indra in his war against the asuras.

37. Who among the following was a Brahmavadini who composed some hymns of the Vedas?

(a) Lopamudra
(b) Gargi
(c) Leelavati
(d) Savitri
Ans. (a) Lopamudra

Women who strive for the highest philosophical knowledge of Brahman, known as Brahmavadini.
These included Lopamudra, Vishwawara, Sikta, Nivavari, and Ghosa.
Lopamudra also known as Kaveri, Kaushitaki and Varaprada, was the wife of the sage Agastya.

38. During the Rigvedic Period word ‘Nishka’ was used for Jewellery but in a later period it was used for the
meaning of:

(a) Arms
(b) Farming equipment
(c) Script
(d) Coin
Ans. (d) Coin

During the Vedic era, the gold necklace was called a ‘Nishka’, which eventually led to the gold coins.
The coins which were in circulation were “Nishka”, “Satamana” and “Krishnala”.
The unit value of goods was a gold bar called “nishka” weighing three hundred and twenty ratis, which was
also the weight of a satamana.
A ‘Krishnala’ weighed one rati, i.e. 1.8 grams.

39. During the Rig Vedic period, Nishka was an ornament of–

(a) Ear
(b) Neck
(c) Arm
(d) Wrist
Ans.(b) Neck

In ancient times, the gold necklace was referred to as ‘Nishka’.

40. ‘Nishka’ in ancient India was known as –

(a) Gold Ornament

(b) Cows
(c) Copper Coins
(d) Silver Coins
Ans. (a) Gold Ornament

In ancient times, the gold necklace was known as a ‘Nishka’..

41. Boghaz-Koi is important because:

(a) It was an important trading center 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) Inscriptions were found which mentioned the names of Vedic Gods and Goddesses

The Boghaz-Koi inscription in Asia Minor, Turkey, is significant because it mentions four Vedic Gods:
Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Nasatyas.

42. 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) Boghaz-Koi

The Boghazkoi inscription is a 1400 B.C. record of a treaty between the Hittite and Mitanni Kings.
The inscription mentions four Vedic gods: Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Nasatyas.
The gods are cited as witnesses to the treaty.
The inscription also establishes the Central Asian Theory as the homeland of the gods.

43. An inscription from the 14th century B.C. describes the Vedic Gods have been found in

(a) Ecbatana
(b) Boghaz-Koi
(c) Babylon
(d) Bisotun
Ans. (b) Boghaz-Koi

The Boghaz-Koi inscription mentions four Vedic gods, including Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Nasatyas.
The inscription is mostly written in cuneiform, with Sumerograms interspersed throughout the texts.

44. 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) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Bal Gangadhar Tilak theorised in his book ‘The Arctic Home in the Vedas’ that the Aryans originated from
the North Pole (Arctic region).
However, historians have largely rejected this idea.

45. 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) Shatpath Brahmana

The Shatpath Brahmana of Shukla Yajurveda and Taittiriya Brahmana of Krishna Yajurveda both mention a
ritual called Purushamedha (or Naramedha), meaning human sacrifice.
Purushamedha was probably symbolic. The Chandogya Upanishad (associated with Sama Veda) states that
Purushamedha is a metaphor for life, comparing the stages of life to the oblations that are offered.

46. The priest associated with King Videgha Madhava referred to in Shatapatha Brahmana was –

(a) Rishi Bharadwaj

(b) Rishi Vashishta
(c) Rishi Vishwamitra
(d) Rishi Gautama Rahugana

Ans. (d) Rishi Gautama Rahugana

Bharatas, Purus, and Kurus tribes were active in the area of Saraswati.
According to the Shatapatha Brahmana (Yajurveda), King Videgha Madhava (also written as Mathava) and
his priest Rishi Gautama Rahuganatraveled east carrying a sacred fire in search of new land.
He came to Mithila and established the kingdom of Videha on the bank of river Sadanira (Gandak).

47. In the post-Vedic period which was considered the axis of Aryan Culture

(a) Anga, Magadha

(b) Kosal, Videha
(c) Kuru, Panchala
(d) Matsya, Shurasena

Ans. (c) Kuru, Panchala

After the Vedic period, the area of Kuru and Panchala was known as the center of Aryan culture because
many accomplishments in science, math, astronomy, faith, and philosophy were made here.

48. The word Gotra occurs for the first time in

(a) Atharvaveda
(b) Rig Veda
(c) Samaveda
(d) Yajurveda

Ans. (b) Rig Veda

Gotra is a Rigvedic term which means “cow shelter” or “herd of cows”. It more recently started to mean
“family, lineage kin”.
This started in post-vedic period.

49. 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) Worship of nature and yajnas

The early Vedic Aryans had a religion that mainly focused on worshipping nature and performing rituals.
They saw life as something created by nature, so they prayed to different elements of nature, believing that
some divine power was behind them, such as fire, water, and wind.

50. In the Rigvedic period, people believed mainly in –

(a) Idol worship

(b) One God belief
(c) Goddess worship
(d) Sacrifice and rituals

Ans. (d) Sacrifice and rituals

Sacrifice (or Yajna) was an important part of Rigvedic religion. It was common for people to offer sacrifices
at home.
Kings would put on big ceremonies when offering community sacrifices. It was believed that Gods were
pleased when sacrifices were made.

51. The Atharva Veda does not discuss the ideal of

(a) Karma
(b) Jnana
(c) Upasana
(d) Moksha

Ans. (d) Moksha

Moksha also called vimoksha, vimukti and mukti, is a term in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism
and Sikhism which refers to various forms of emancipation, enlightenment, liberation, and
release. In its soteriological and eschatological senses, it refers to freedom from saṃsāra, the
cycle of death and rebirth. In its epistemological and psychological senses, moksha refers to
freedom from ignorance: self-realization, self-actualization and self-knowledge

52. 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) Parushni

The Battle of Ten Kings was the first recorded battle in Indian history.
It was fought between the Bharata tribe and a confederacy of ten other tribes. The Bharata king, Sudas, led
the Bharata tribe.
The confederacy was led by Vishwamitra, a powerful king and sage.
The battle took place near the Parusni River (Ravi River) in Punjab.
The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Bharatas.
The battle is mentioned in the 7th Mandala of the Rigveda.
The Bharatas became known as the Kurus or Kauravas.
The ten tribes in the confederacy were: Puru, Yadu, Turvasa, Anu, Druhyu, Alina, Paktha, Bhalanas, Shiva,
Vishanin.
The first five tribes were said to be Aryan (Pancha-Jana), while the last five were said to be non-Aryan.

53. Which of the following rivers among the following referred to as ‘Matetama’, ‘Devitama’, and
‘Naditama’ in the Rig Veda?

(a) Sindhu
(b) Saraswati
(c) Vitasta
(d) Yamuna

Ans. (b) Saraswati

In the Rigvedic period, the Saraswati River was seen as the holiest river.
In the Rig Veda, it was referred to as “Matetama,” meaning the best of all mothers, “Devitama,” meaning the
best of all goddesses, and “Naditama,” meaning the widest of all rivers.

54. 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) Kikat

Pancha-Jana named five tribes that started the clans. These were Yadu, Turvasa, Druhya, Anu and Puru.
Kikat was not included.
The Panchajna, were racially Panchajatah living on the banks of the Saraswati.
It is also supposed that Panchajata are all descendants of the five sons of Yayati.

55. In the ancient period, the chief livelihood source of the Aryans was –
(a) Agriculture
(b) Hunting
(c) Artcraft
(d) Business
Ans. (a) Agriculture

Pastoralism and agriculture as the main source of their livelihood of Aryans.

56. The word ‘Yava’ mentioned in Rig Veda is used for which agricultural product?

(a) Barley
(b) Gram
(c) Rice
(d) Wheat

Ans. (a) Barley

The Vedas mention many crops:

 Barley: Yav
 Wheat: Godhuma
 Rice: Vrihi
 Sesame: Til
 Millet: Anu
The Vedas also mention different types of rice, including:
 Krishnavrihi: Black rice
 Raktashali: Red rice
 Mahavrihi: Long grain rice

57. Match list-I with list-II and choose the correct answer from the code given below –

List-I List-II
Vrihi Sugarcane
Mudga Rice
Yava Mung bean
Ikshu Millet
Code –
(a) A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iii), D-(iv)
(b) A-(iv), B-(iii), C-(ii), D-(i)
(c) A-(iii), B-(iv), C-(i), D-(ii)
(d) A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(i)

Ans (d) A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(i)

The correctly matched list is as follows –

Vrihi Rice
Mudga Mung bean
Yava Millet
Ikshu Sugarcane

58. The Rigvedic “Pani” belongs to which class of citizens?

(a) Priests
(b) Ironsmiths
(c) Goldsmiths
(d) Traders
Ans. (d) Traders

During the Rigvedic period, there was a group of people known as Pani who were traders.

59. The System of Governance prevalent in the Vedic era was–

(a) Autocratic
(b) Democratic
(c) Republic
(d) Descended monarchy

Ans. (d) Descended monarchy

During the Vedic period, the most common form of government was the royal dynasty.
There were some examples of people choosing their leader, but most people preferred monarchy.

60. ‘Sabha’ of Vedic-era –

(a) Was an institution of mercantile people of the villages

(b) Was a royal court
(c) Was the council of ministers
(d) National Assembly of all the people of the state

Ans. (c) Was the council of ministers

During the Vedic period, ‘Sabha’ and ‘Samiti’ were two institutions that kept the king from having complete
control.
‘Sabha’ was made up of educated and influential people, while ‘Samiti’ had common people.

61. The Rigvedic tribal assembly associated with the judicial function was –

(a) Sabha
(b) Samiti
(c) Vidhata
(d) All of these

Ans. (a) Sabha

The Rigveda mentions several tribal or clan-based assemblies such as the Sabha, Samiti, and Vidatha.
The Sabha was connected to deciding court cases.
It is mentioned eight times in the Rigveda. The Atharvaveda says that Sabha and Samiti are two daughters of
Prajapati.
Vidhata, translated as a “family council,” the vidhata included women and elders as participants.

62. In which of the Vedas, Sabha, and Samiti are called two daughters of Prajapati?

(a) Rig Veda

(b) Samveda
(c) Yajurveda
(d) Atharvaveda
Ans. (d) Atharvaveda

The Atharvaveda identifies Sabha and Samiti as the two daughters of the Vedic god Prajāpati.
63. ‘Ayurveda’ that is ‘Science of Life’ appeared first in :

(a) Aranyaka
(b) Samveda
(c) Yajurveda
(d) Atharvaveda
Ans. (d) Atharvaveda

Ayurveda, which means the “Science of Life”, first appeared in Atharvaveda.

It is a branch of Atharva Veda and contains information about disease prevention, coordination, loyalty,
marriage, and love poetry from the beliefs and traditions of the common people.

64. Rig Vedic religion was–

(a) Polytheistic
(b) Monotheistic
(c) Monistic
(d) Libertarian
Ans. (a) Polytheistic

The Rig Vedic religion was polytheistic, meaning they believed in and worshipped many different Gods.
They viewed nature as alive and gave it a soul. These Gods were divided into three groups: gods of the sky,
gods of space, and gods of the earth.
Whenever they worshipped a God, they saw them as the supreme power, which is called Henotheism They
also supported Ekeshwarvaad, which included Advaityavaad, Sarvadevtavaad, and Bahudevatavaad, but this
concept of one supreme God is different from modern Ekeshwarvaad.

65. The term 'Philosophy' is derived from which of the following? –

(a) Ancient Greek

(b) Ancient Roman
(c) Hebrew Language
(d) English
Ans. (A) Ancient Greek

The original meaning of the word philosophy comes from the ancient Greek roots philo-
meaning "love" and sophos, or "wisdom."

66. The largest number of the Hymns in Rig Veda belongs to–

(a) Indra
(b) Varuna
(c) Vishnu
(d) Yama

Ans. (a) Indra

List of Rigvedic deities by a number of dedicated hymns:

 Indra – 250
 Agni – 200
 Soma – 123
 Aśvins – 56
 Varuna – 46
 Maruts – 38
67. Who among the following was the most popular God of the early Vedic Aryans?

(a) Varuna
(b) Vishnu
(c) Rudra
(d) Indra

Ans. (d) Indra

List of Rigvedic deities by a number of dedicated hymns:

 Indra – 250
 Varuna – 46
 Vishnu – 6
 Rudra – 4
Visvedevas (all gods together) have been invoked 70 times

68. The
Upanishads are separated from the Brahmanas by treatises called
__________
(a) Vedas
(b) Aranyakas
(c) Epics
(d) Puranas

Ans. (b) Aranyakas

It is contained within the Shatapatha Brahmana (Brahmana is a collection of ancient Indian

texts with commentaries on the Vedas.), which is itself a part of Shukla Yajur Veda. Brihad
means great. Aryanka means pertaining to the forest. Aranyaka in the Upanishadic context
refers to a treatise to be read or expounded by anchorites in the quiet of the forest.

69. Which of the following Gods was considered as War-God in the Vedic literature?

(a) Varuna
(b) Indra
(c) Agini
(d) Mitra

Ans. (b) Indra

The Rig Veda has 250 hymns dedicated to Indra, the God of Storms, the Sky, and War.
He is described as the one who holds the lightning bolt.

70. Study the following statements about the Vedic God Indra and select the correct answer from the codes
given below:

1. Was the God of thunder.

2. Punished the sinners.
3. Was the guardian of the moral order.
4. Was the God of rain.

Codes :

(a) 1 and 2 are correct.

(b) 1 and 3 are correct.
(c) 2 and 4 are correct.
(d) 1 and 4 are correct.

Ans. (d) 1 and 4 are correct.

The Vedas state that Indra is the King of Heaven. He is responsible for lightning, thunder, and rain.
Lord Varuna looks after the morality (Rit) of the people.
Some Vedic hymns are prayers to God Indra to punish those who have done wrong.

71. 800 B.C. to 600 B.C. is related to which era?

(a) Brahmin era

(b) Sutra era
(c) Ramayana era
(d) Mahabharata era

Ans. (a) Brahmin era

The time from 800 B.C. to 600 B.C. is known as the Brahmana era
Period from 700 B.C. to 300 B.C. is known as the Sutra Period.

72. The Sage who is said to have Aryanised South India, was
(a) Yagnavalkya
(b) Vashistha
(c) Agastya
(d) Vishwamitra
Ans. (c) Agastya

The age of vedic Risi Agastya, who is said to have established brahmanical settlements on the
distant Podiyur hill(Tennevelly district), besides those in the Dekkan. The traditional division of
Southern India was into three kingdoms- Ceras of Malabar, Pandyas of Madurai and
Tinnevelly and the Colas who ruled tract above the Pandyas upto the Penner river. Agastya
was the first to write grammar of Tamil language. He spread the Aryan culture and literature in
South India.

73. The ‘Mantra’ famous with the name ‘Gayatri The mantra’ found in which of the following scriptures –

(a) Bhagwat Gita

(b) Atharvaveda
(c) Rig Veda
(d) Manusmriti

Ans. (c) Rig Veda

Gayatri mantra is found in the third mandala of Rig Veda.

It is also known as the Savitri Mantra.
It is made up of 24 syllables organized in a triplet of eight syllables.

74. Who composed the Gayatri Mantra?

(a) Vasishtha
(b) Vishwamitra
(c) Indra
(d) Parikshit

Ans. (b) Vishwamitra

The Gayatri Mantra was composed by sage Vishwamitra and most of the third mandala. He is one of the
seven Brahmarshi.
Vishwamitra was a Kshatriya king who later became one of the 7 Brahmarishi with his pure tapa.
Bhrigu, Angiras, Atri, Vishwamitra, Kashyapa, Vasishta, and Shandilya are the seven brahmarshis
The word Vishwamitra means friendship or love for everyone.

75. Sarga, Pratisarga, Vansa, Manvantara, and Vanshanucharita are the indicators of

(a) Vedas
(b) Puranas
(c) Upanishads
(d) Sutras
Ans. (b) Puranas

The Puranas have five parts: Sarga, Pratisarga, Vansa, Manvantara, and Vanshanucharita.
Sarga and Pratisarga are about how the world was created and will be re-created.
Vansa is the story of sages and gods.
Manvantara is about period of different Manus.
Vanshanucharit means Genealogy of kings.

76. The number of Puranas is–

(a) 16
(b) 18
(c) 19
(d) 21
Ans. (b) 18

Hinduism has 18 sacred texts called Puranas.

These are: Matsya Purana, Markandeya Purana, Bhagavat Puranam, Bhavishya Purana, Brahmanda Purana,
Brahma Vaivrata Purana, Brahma Purana, Vamana Purana, Varaha Purana, Vishnu Purana, Vayu Purana,
Agni Purana, Narada Purana and Padma Purana.

77. In which language was the ‘Shrimad Bhagavad Gita’ originally written?

(a) Sanskrit
(b) Urdu
(c) Pali
(d) Hindi

Ans. (a) Sanskrit

The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, often referred to simply as the Gita, is a Hindu scripture written in the Sanskrit
language.
It contains 700 verses and is part of the epic Mahabharata.

78. Originally the Mahabharata was known as –

(a) Brihatkatha
(b) Brahmins
(c) Brihatsamhita
(d) Jayasamhita

Ans. (d) Jayasamhita

The Mahabharata was originally made up of 8,800 verses and was known as ‘Jaya’, or Jayasamhita.
Nowadays, it is made up of 100,000 verses and believed to have been written by Sage Veda Vyaas.

79. The Shatasahasri-Samhita is the nickname of which of the following texts?

(a) Rigveda
(b) Atharvaveda
(c) Ramayana
(d) Mahabharata

Ans. (d) Mahabharata

The Shatasahasri Samhita is a nickname for the Mahabharata, a major Sanskrit epic.
The Mahabharata is also known as Jaisamhita.

80. In Mahabharat by what name were the Kuninda-kings known?

(a) Sarvasrestha
(b) Madhyam
(c) Dwij Srestha
(d) Dwij
Ans. (c) Dwij Srestha

The Kuninda dynasty ruled in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, and North India around the second-third century
AD. They were the first political rulers of Uttarakhand.
The Kuninda kings are mentioned in Indian epics and Puranas. The Mahabharata says that they were
defeated by Arjuna. They were also called ‘Dwij Shrestha’.

81. 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) Vasuki

Mount Mandara was used as the stirring rod and Vasuki, the king of snakes who lives on Shiva’s neck, was
the stirring rope.
Lord Vishnu, in the form of Kurma Avtar, helped them by supporting the mountain on his back.

82. 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) Dharmashastra phase

In ancient Indian history, during the early Christian era (known as the Dharmashastra period), the
Brahmanical religion was dominant.
Different customs were strictly followed, including the practice of untouchability. This was the time when
various scriptures were written.

83. The most important craftsman in the Vedic period was the
(a) blacksmith
(b) goldsmith
(c) barber
(d) carpenter

Ans. (d) carpenter

Carpenter was the most celebrated craftsman in the Vedic age.

84. Thephilosophical essence, The world is but God manifest and God is my own
soul may be traced to the
(a) Manusmriti
(b) Bhagawadgita
(c) Rig Veda
(d) Upanishadas

Ans. (d) Upanishadas

God is not merely the transcendent numinous other, but is also the universal spirit, which is the
basis of human personality and its ever renewing vitalizing power.

85. ‘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) Mundakopanishad

The phrase “Satyameva Jayate” comes from the “Mundakopanishad”, associated with Atharvaveda.

86. The Statement “TamsomaJyotirgamaya” was originally mentioned in

(a) Upanishads
(b) Mahakavyas
(c) Puranas
(d) Shaddarshanas
(e) None of these

Ans. (a) Upanishads

The phrase “TamsomaJyotirgamaya” comes from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the largest Upanishad.
Brihadaranyaka is one of the first Upanishads, along with that of Jaiminiya Upanishad and Chandogya
Upanishads.
It mentions 33 gods, eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, and twelve ādityas, apart from Indra and Prajāpati.
It focuses on different states of the Self.
It is contained within the Shatapatha Brahmana, which is part of the Shukla Yajur Veda.
This phrase means “take us from darkness to brightness or from ignorance to truth”.

87. The legend of Satyakam Jabal, which challenges the stigma of being an unmarried mother, is mentioned
in

(a) Jabal Upanishad

(b) Prashnophishad
(c) Chhandogya Upanishad
(d) Kathopanishad

Ans. (c) Chhandogya Upanishad

Satyakama Jabala was a boy and then a wise Vedic Sage. He was mentioned in the fourth chapter of the
Hindu scripture, the Chhandogya Upanishad.
He overcame the negative perception of having an unmarried mother.

88. The literal meaning of which Upanishada is the white horse?

(a) Kathopanishad
(b) Chhandogya Upanishad
(c) Taittriya Upanishad
(d) Eshopanishad
(e) None of these

Ans. (e) None of these

None of the Upanishads listed are named ‘white horse’.

The Shvetashvatara Upanishad is an old Sanskrit text that is found in the Yajurveda.
The name ‘Shvetashvatara’ means ‘drawn by white steeds.’

89. The fundamental or basic script of the ‘Rig Veda’ was –

(a) Devnagri
(b) Kharoshthi
(c) Pali
(d) Brahmi

Ans. (d) Brahmi

The Rig Veda was written in the Brahmi script, which was created by Brahma.
The Rig Veda is divided into 10 parts which contain 1028 songs and 10552 mantras.
According to Patanjali, there are 21 branches of the Rig Veda
The priests who studied it were called ‘Hota’.

90. In the Vedic rituals, HOTA is associated with the–

(a) Rig Veda

(b) Yajurvaveda
(c) Samaveda
(d) Atharvaveda

Ans. (a) Rig Veda

Veda Brahmanas Officiating priest
Rig Veda Aitareya, Kaushitaki Hotri
Sama Veda Tandyamaha, Jaiminiya Udgatri
Yajur Veda Taittiriya, Satapatha Adhvaryu
Atharva Veda Gopatha Brahman

91. There is a similarity between Avesta and the Rig Veda, from which region the Avesta is related to –

(a) India
(b) Iran
(c) Israel
(d) Egypt

Ans. (b) Iran

The Aryans were an Indo-Iranian group who wrote the Avesta and Vedas.
The Avesta is the primary collection of religious texts of Zoroastrianism. It contains the teachings of the
prophet Zarathushtra (Zoroaster), including: Cosmogony, Law, Liturgy.
The Avesta is written in the Avestan language. It’s sometimes incorrectly called the Zend-Avesta.

92. Which of the following animals was considered as “Aghanya” during the Vedic period:-

(a) Bull
(b) Sheep
(c) Cow
(d) Elephant

Ans. (c) Cow

During the Vedic period, the cow was considered so holy that it was given the title of “Aghanya”, meaning it
was not allowed to be killed.

93. The ritualistic precepts pertaining to the hymns of the Vedas are known as the
(a) Samhitas
(b) Aranyakas
(c) Brahmanas
(d) Upanishads

Ans. (C) Brahmanas

The Brahmanas are chiefly religious documents, including ritualistic precepts and sacrificial
duties.

94. The name ‘Aghanya’ is mentioned in many passages of the Rig Veda and refers to :

(a) Priest
(b) Women
(c) Cows
(d) Brahmanas

Ans. (c) Cows

The cow was sacred animal and was given the title of “Aghanya,” which means it was not meant to be
killed.
95. In the early Rigvedic period, what was considered to be the most valuable property?

(a) Land
(b) Cow
(c) Women
(d) Water

Ans. (b) Cow

Raising cattle was the most important business for the Rigvedic people.
They prayed for more cattle, and used them as currency.
In some parts of Rig Veda, cows are even viewed as gods.

96. In the context of Indian culture ‘Rit’ means

(a) Natural law

(b) artificial law
(c) Human law
(d) Social law
(e) None of these

Ans. (a) Natural law

The idea of ‘Rit’ is an ancient Indian belief that there is a natural order to things. It is the foundation of
Indian culture, law, politics, and thought.
People believed that God Varuna was in charge of upholding ‘Rit’, or the natural order, which is why he is
also known as ‘Ritasyagopa’.

97. 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) Kosa

In ancient Indian culture, Vansha, Gotra, and Kula refer to the family system, but Kosa is linked to the
treasury.

98. What is the total number of Sanskaras?

(a) 10
(b) 12
(c) 15
(d) 16

Ans. (d) 16

There are a total of sixteen rituals that are practiced. 3 are done before a baby is born,12 during a person’s
lifetime, and 1 after death.
The Upnayan Sanskar is the most important and commonly done of all, including the wedding ceremony
and the ritual after death.

99. “Ganga Dashehara” is celebrated in which month and day according to Hindu Calendar?
(a) Tenth bright lunar day of Jyeshtha
(b) Tenth bright lunar day of Chaitra
(c) Tenth bright lunar day of Ashwin
(d) Tenth bright lunar day of Magh

Ans. (a) Tenth bright lunar day of Jyeshtha

Ganga Dussehra (also known as Gangavataran) is a Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the Ganges river
coming down to Earth.
This happens on Dashami (the 10th day) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Jyestha.
The festival lasts for 10 days leading up to the holy day.

100. The teacher who taught ‘Ved-Vedanga’ for livelihood, was called –

(a) Acharya
(b) Adhvaryu
(c) Upadhyaya
(d) Purohita

Ans. (c) Upadhyaya

Upadhyaya made teaching his job to make money, and only taught a portion of the Vedas or Vedangas.