Explore 20 unique MCQs on the Vedic Period of Indian History with answers and explanations. Covering both depth and general questions, this post is ideal for UPSC, SSC, RRB NTPC, and competitive exam preparation.
Q1. Which Veda is considered the earliest source of Indian history?
a) Yajurveda
b) Rigveda
c) Samaveda
d) Atharvaveda
Answer: b) Rigveda
Explanation: The Rigveda is the earliest Veda, composed around 1500 BCE. It contains over 1,000 hymns dedicated to various deities. It is the primary source for understanding the early Vedic society, culture, and religion.
Q2. The term ‘Brahmavarta’ mentioned in the Rigveda refers to which region?
a) Punjab
b) Haryana
c) Rajasthan
d) Bihar
Answer: b) Haryana
Explanation: The Rigveda identifies Brahmavarta, roughly the modern region of Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, as the sacred land where Vedic culture originated. It is highly significant in reconstructing early settlement patterns of Vedic people.
Q3. Which assembly in the Vedic period was responsible for judicial and administrative functions?
a) Sabha
b) Samiti
c) Gana
d) Vidhata
Answer: a) Sabha
Explanation: The Sabha was a smaller, more select body compared to the Samiti. It dealt with judicial matters, administration, and advising the king. This assembly shows the early democratic elements in Vedic polity.
Q4. The Purusha Sukta hymn, which describes the origin of the varna system, is found in which text?
a) Rigveda
b) Yajurveda
c) Atharvaveda
d) Sama Veda
Answer: a) Rigveda
Explanation: The Purusha Sukta hymn of the Rigveda explains the cosmic sacrifice of Purusha, from which the four varnas emerged. It is crucial in tracing the ideological roots of social stratification in Vedic society.
Q5. Who among the following Vedic deities was regarded as the god of thunder and rain?
a) Varuna
b) Indra
c) Agni
d) Mitra
Answer: b) Indra
Explanation: Indra was the most celebrated Vedic deity, revered as the god of thunder, rain, and war. He is mentioned in over 250 Rigvedic hymns, showing his supreme importance in early Vedic religious life.
Q6. Which Veda contains spells and charms against diseases and evil forces?
a) Yajurveda
b) Samaveda
c) Atharvaveda
d) Rigveda
Answer: c) Atharvaveda
Explanation: The Atharvaveda is distinct from the other three Vedas, as it contains hymns, spells, and charms meant to ward off diseases, spirits, and misfortune. It provides insights into popular beliefs and practices of Vedic society.
Q7. The economic life of the Later Vedic Age was primarily based on:
a) Hunting and gathering
b) Agriculture and pastoralism
c) Industry and crafts
d) Fishing
Answer: b) Agriculture and pastoralism
Explanation: In the Later Vedic period, agriculture gained primacy alongside cattle rearing. The use of iron tools (Krishna Ayas) enabled forest clearance and cultivation, reflecting the shift from a pastoral to agrarian economy.
Q8. Which river is most frequently mentioned in the Rigveda?
a) Yamuna
b) Saraswati
c) Sindhu
d) Ganga
Answer: c) Sindhu
Explanation: The Rigveda mentions the Sindhu (Indus) most frequently. It also names the Ganga, though the river gained importance only later. This shows the northwest geographical focus of early Vedic society.
Q9. In the Vedic polity, the king’s authority was mainly legitimized through:
a) Hereditary succession
b) Popular assemblies
c) Ritual sacrifices
d) Military conquest
Answer: c) Ritual sacrifices
Explanation: The king’s power in the Vedic period was sanctified through ritual sacrifices like the Ashvamedha and Rajasuya. These rituals reinforced royal authority and displayed the fusion of religion with politics.
Q10. The Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to which deity?
a) Agni
b) Surya (Savitr)
c) Indra
d) Soma
Answer: b) Surya (Savitr)
Explanation: The Gayatri Mantra, found in the Rigveda, is dedicated to the solar deity Savitr. Hindus regard it as the most sacred mantra, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment and intellectual awakening.
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Q11. The Later Vedic texts mainly comprise:
a) Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads
b) Smritis and Puranas
c) Sutras and Epics
d) None of these
Answer: a) Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads
Explanation: The Later Vedic corpus includes the Brahmanas (ritual texts), Aranyakas (forest texts), and Upanishads (philosophical texts). They mark the transition from ritualism to philosophical inquiry in Vedic tradition.
Q12. Which Rigvedic clan fought the famous Battle of Ten Kings against Sudas?
a) Bharatas
b) Purus
c) Trtsus
d) Anus
Answer: a) Bharatas
Explanation: The Bharatas, under their king Sudas, fought the Battle of Ten Kings on the River Ravi. This conflict among Vedic clans highlights early political rivalries and the struggle for supremacy in northwestern India.
Q13. Which metal is associated with the Later Vedic period?
a) Copper
b) Bronze
c) Iron
d) Silver
Answer: c) Iron
Explanation: The introduction of iron (Krishna Ayas) marked the Later Vedic Age. Its use for tools and weapons revolutionized agriculture and warfare, contributing to territorial expansion and socio-economic change.
Q14. The term ‘Gavishti’ in the Rigveda refers to:
a) Agricultural ploughing
b) Battle for cattle
c) Religious sacrifice
d) Trade of horses
Answer: b) Battle for cattle
Explanation: The word ‘Gavishti’ literally means “search for cows,” but in Vedic literature, it refers to conflicts over cattle wealth. This underscores the importance of cattle as a measure of prosperity in Vedic society.
Q15. Which Vedic text provides details about the rituals of sacrifices?
a) Samaveda
b) Yajurveda
c) Rigveda
d) Atharvaveda
Answer: b) Yajurveda
Explanation: The Yajurveda contains prose formulas and mantras to be recited during sacrifices. It is essentially a guidebook for priests, reflecting the complexity of rituals in Later Vedic religious life.
Q16. The term ‘Rajasuya’ refers to which practice in Vedic society?
a) A war ritual
b) Coronation sacrifice
c) Funeral offering
d) Land distribution
Answer: b) Coronation sacrifice
Explanation: The Rajasuya was a coronation ritual performed to legitimize the king’s rule. It symbolized the king’s authority over his people and his recognition by the ritualistic framework of Vedic religion.
Q17. The concept of Atman and Brahman was first emphasized in:
a) Rigveda
b) Upanishads
c) Samaveda
d) Brahmanas
Answer: b) Upanishads
Explanation: The Upanishads, compiled during the Later Vedic period, explore profound philosophical concepts such as Atman (soul) and Brahman (universal spirit). They mark a shift from ritual sacrifices to metaphysical speculation.
Q18. Which Rigvedic term was used for a king?
a) Vispati
b) Rajan
c) Samrat
d) Gopati
Answer: b) Rajan
Explanation: In the Rigveda, the ruler was referred to as Rajan, who was not an autocrat but a leader of clans. His power was checked by popular assemblies and priests, showing limited monarchy.
Q19. The Vedic people primarily spoke which language?
a) Pali
b) Sanskrit
c) Prakrit
d) Magadhi
Answer: b) Sanskrit
Explanation: The Vedas were composed in early Sanskrit, also called Vedic Sanskrit. This archaic form of the language is distinct from Classical Sanskrit, and it forms the foundation of Indo-Aryan linguistic traditions.
Q20. Which Vedic god was associated with cosmic order (Rta)?
a) Varuna
b) Agni
c) Indra
d) Mitra
Answer: a) Varuna
Explanation: Varuna was regarded as the upholder of Rta, the universal order and law. His role reflects the Vedic people’s concern for cosmic harmony, morality, and justice, especially in the early Rigvedic period.