1. The term “Aryan” is derived from which language?
a) Sanskrit
b) Greek
c) Latin
d) Persian
Answer: a) Sanskrit
Explanation: The term “Aryan” is derived from the Sanskrit word Ārya, meaning noble. It refers to the Indo-Aryan people who migrated to the Indian subcontinent during the Vedic Age.
2. The Rigveda is primarily composed of what?
a) Hymns
b) Stories
c) Laws
d) Philosophical treatises
Answer: a) Hymns
Explanation: The Rigveda, the oldest Vedic text, is a collection of 1,028 hymns dedicated to various deities like Agni, Indra, and Varuna.
3. Which river is most often mentioned in the Rigveda?
a) Ganga
b) Yamuna
c) Saraswati
d) Godavari
Answer: c) Saraswati
Explanation: The Saraswati River is frequently mentioned in the Rigveda and is considered sacred in Vedic literature.
4. What was the primary occupation of the people during the Early Vedic Age?
a) Trade
b) Agriculture
c) Pastoralism
d) Metalworking
Answer: c) Pastoralism
Explanation: The Early Vedic people were primarily pastoralists who reared cattle, which was considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
5. What was the Varna system in the Vedic society?
a) A taxation system
b) A division of labor
c) A military hierarchy
d) A political alliance
Answer: b) A division of labor
Explanation: The Varna system categorized society into four groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, based on occupation and duties.
6. Which Veda is referred to as the “Book of Chants”?
a) Rigveda
b) Samaveda
c) Yajurveda
d) Atharvaveda
Answer: b) Samaveda
Explanation: The Samaveda contains hymns that were meant to be sung during sacrificial rituals, earning it the title “Book of Chants.”
7. What is “Sabha” in Vedic literature?
a) A deity
b) An assembly of people
c) A religious text
d) A form of trade
Answer: b) An assembly of people
Explanation: The “Sabha” was an assembly in the Vedic period where important decisions and discussions were held.
8. The term “Grihapati” in the Vedic Age refers to whom?
a) A warrior
b) A king
c) The head of the family
d) A priest
Answer: c) The head of the family
Explanation: The Grihapati was the head of the household and played a key role in familial and social responsibilities.
9. Which deity was considered the god of fire in the Vedic Age?
a) Varuna
b) Agni
c) Indra
d) Soma
Answer: b) Agni
Explanation: Agni, the god of fire, was central to Vedic rituals, as fire was used as a medium to convey offerings to the gods.
10. What was “Soma” in Vedic rituals?
a) A god
b) A drink
c) A sacred text
d) A sacrificial animal
Answer: b) A drink
Explanation: Soma was a ritualistic drink prepared from a plant, considered sacred and offered to the gods during sacrifices.
11. What was the primary unit of society during the Vedic period?
a) Kingdom
b) Clan
c) Village
d) Family
Answer: d) Family
Explanation: The family, led by the Grihapati, was the basic unit of Vedic society.
12. Who was the most prominent deity of the Rigvedic period?
a) Vishnu
b) Shiva
c) Indra
d) Brahma
Answer: c) Indra
Explanation: Indra, the god of rain and thunder, was the most worshipped deity in the Rigvedic period.
13. What is the meaning of the term “Dasyu” in Vedic literature?
a) Warriors
b) Priests
c) Non-Aryans or enemies
d) Traders
Answer: c) Non-Aryans or enemies
Explanation: Dasyus were often described as the opponents of the Aryans and were portrayed as non-Aryan inhabitants of the land.
14. What was the purpose of the Ashvamedha ritual?
a) Coronation of a king
b) Military conquest
c) Territorial expansion
d) Fertility
Answer: c) Territorial expansion
Explanation: The Ashvamedha was a horse sacrifice ritual symbolizing the king’s authority over new territories.
15. In the Vedic Age, what did the term “Nishka” refer to?
a) A type of weapon
b) A gold ornament or currency
c) A ritual
d) A priestly duty
Answer: b) A gold ornament or currency
Explanation: Nishka was used as both an ornament and a form of currency in Vedic society.
16. Which Veda is known for containing charms and magical hymns?
a) Rigveda
b) Samaveda
c) Yajurveda
d) Atharvaveda
Answer: d) Atharvaveda
Explanation: The Atharvaveda contains hymns and spells related to everyday life, health, and prosperity.
17. What were “Purohitas” in the Vedic society?
a) Teachers
b) Priests
c) Warriors
d) Merchants
Answer: b) Priests
Explanation: Purohitas were priests who performed religious rituals and guided kings in spiritual matters.
18. What does the term “Dasas” refer to in the Vedic texts?
a) Deities
b) Slaves or servants
c) Warriors
d) Traders
Answer: b) Slaves or servants
Explanation: Dasas were often captured individuals or those subjugated, serving as laborers or slaves.
19. The practice of “Yajna” was primarily meant for what purpose?
a) Education
b) Pleasing the gods
c) Warfare
d) Trade
Answer: b) Pleasing the gods
Explanation: Yajna was a ritual of offerings made to fire to please the gods and seek blessings.
20. The “Upanishads” are associated with which aspect of Vedic culture?
a) Rituals
b) Philosophy
c) Lawmaking
d) Art
Answer: b) Philosophy
Explanation: The Upanishads are later Vedic texts focused on spiritual and philosophical discussions, emphasizing self-realization.
21. What was the language of the Vedic texts?
a) Prakrit
b) Pali
c) Sanskrit
d) Tamil
Answer: c) Sanskrit
Explanation: All four Vedas were composed in Vedic Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language.
22. Which term describes the cow as a measure of wealth in Vedic society?
a) Gopa
b) Gosu
c) Gavya
d) Gomat
Answer: d) Gomat
Explanation: Cows were considered wealth, and the term Gomat symbolized prosperity and affluence.
23. Which was the primary method of education during the Vedic Age?
a) Gurukul system
b) University lectures
c) Online learning
d) Apprenticeships
Answer: a) Gurukul system
Explanation: Education was imparted orally at Gurukuls, where students lived with their teacher (guru).
24. What was the primary material used for tools and weapons during the Vedic Age?
a) Bronze
b) Stone
c) Iron
d) Copper
Answer: a) Bronze (Early Vedic Age) and c) Iron (Later Vedic Age)
Explanation: Early Vedic tools were primarily bronze-based, while iron tools became prominent in the Later Vedic Age.
25. The term “Rajasuya” refers to what in Vedic culture?
a) A war strategy
b) A coronation ceremony
c) A type of weapon
d) A sacrificial animal
Answer: b) A coronation ceremony
Explanation: The Rajasuya was a royal consecration ceremony to legitimize a king’s authority.
26. What does the term “Mantras” refer to in Vedic literature?
a) Sacred chants
b) Military formations
c) Laws
d) Genealogies
Answer: a) Sacred chants
Explanation: Mantras are sacred chants or hymns used in rituals to invoke divine blessings.
27. The Later Vedic Age saw the emergence of which major societal change?
a) Nomadism
b) Caste rigidity
c) Metal currency
d) Urbanization
Answer: b) Caste rigidity
Explanation: The Varna system became more rigid during the Later Vedic Age, solidifying caste distinctions.
28. Who compiled the hymns of the Vedas?
a) Vyasa
b) Manu
c) Valmiki
d) Panini
Answer: a) Vyasa
Explanation: Vyasa is traditionally credited with compiling the Vedas and other key ancient texts.
29. Which god in the Vedic pantheon was associated with medicine?
a) Soma
b) Ashvins
c) Varuna
d) Vishnu
Answer: b) Ashvins
Explanation: The Ashvins, twin gods, were associated with health and medicine in Vedic mythology.
30. What is “Shruti” in the context of the Vedic Age?
a) A type of sacrifice
b) Heard knowledge or revelation
c) A written text
d) A musical instrument
Answer: b) Heard knowledge or revelation
Explanation: Shruti refers to the body of sacred texts, such as the Vedas, believed to be divinely revealed to sages.
