Vedic Age: 60+ MCQs for Comprehensive Exam Preparation
Key points of the vedic age to remember before exploring the MCQs:
| Aspect | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Vedic Age (Rig Vedic & Later Vedic) | Approximate Timeline: c. 1500 - 500 BCE |
| Source of Information | Vedic texts are the primary sources supplemented by archaeological materials. |
| Indo-Aryans | Believed to be the composers of Vedic texts. Arya is a term associated with them, meaning "kinsmen" or "men of good family." |
| Theories on Aryan Origin | 1. Central Asian Theory - Propounded by Max Muller, suggests the Aryans originated in Central Asia. |
| 2. European Theory - Proposes that Aryans originated in Europe and some migrated to India. | |
| 3. Theory of North Pole/Arctic Theory - Suggested by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, claims the Arctic as their origin. | |
| 4. Tibet Theory - Supported by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, places the Aryans' origin in Tibet. | |
| 5. Indian Theory - Supported by various scholars, argues that Aryans were from the Sapta Sindhu region in India. | |
| Early Vedic Period (Rig Veda) | Early Vedic Literature (c. 1500 - 1000 BCE) includes the Rig Veda Samhita and related texts. |
| Vedic Literature | Four Vedas: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda. Each Veda has four parts - Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka, and Upanishads. |
| Rig Veda | Oldest Veda with 1028 hymns divided into ten Mandalas or books. Provides insights into early Vedic life. |
| Sama Veda | Collection of verses drawn from Rig Veda with musical notations, used in sacred songs. |
| Yajur Veda | Deals with the procedure for sacrifices, divided into Shukla Yajur Veda and Krishna Yajur Veda. |
| Atharva Veda | Concerned with magic spells to ward off evil spirits or dangers. |
| Brahmanas | Contain explanations of Vedic hymns, each Veda has its set of Brahmanas. |
| Aranyakas | "Forest books" emphasizing meditation and philosophical interpretation of rituals. |
| Upanishads | Philosophical texts focusing on Atman (soul) and Brahman (underlying substance of the universe). |
| Vedanta | Reveals the final aim of the Vedas, condemning rituals and ceremonies. |
| Vedanga | Six texts supporting the study and preservation of the Vedas. |
| Puranas | Ancient texts reflecting religious developments and social customs. |
| Dharmashastra | Sanskrit texts on morality, religious duty, and principles for societal order. |
| Epics | Great Epics: Mahabharata and Ramayana describing ancient Indian kingdoms. |
| Rig Vedic Society | Semi-nomadic tribal society. - Kinship-based social structure. - Kula, Vis, and Jana were the basic units. - Marriages were established with instances of re-marriage and levirate. - No caste-based divisions. - Patriarchal family units. |
| Rig Vedic Economy | Depended on pastoralism with cows being highly valued. - Use of gold coins (niksha) and barter system for trade. - No regular revenue system, voluntary offerings (bali) supported the kingdom. - Various artisans and craftsmen existed. - No iron technology. |
| Rig Vedic Religion | Worship of natural forces and elements. - Personification of natural forces into gods. - Worship through yajnas (sacrifices) and prayers. - No temples or idols. - Henotheistic tendencies, invoking different deities in specific hymns. |
Gods and Goddesses worshipped in the Rig Vedic period:
| Deity | Role and Attributes |
|---|---|
| Indra | King of gods; god of thunder, rain, and storms |
| Agni | God of fire; intermediary between humans and gods |
| Varuna | God of cosmic order and justice; associated with water |
| Soma | God of plants; inspired poets |
| Yama | Lord of death; guides souls to the afterlife |
| Rudra | Archer god with the power to bring diseases |
| Surya | God of the sun; drives away darkness and spreads light |
| Surya | God of the wind; symbolized the breath of the gods |
| Prithvi | Earth goddess; associated with fertility and abundance |
| Aditi | Goddess of eternity and the mother of the gods |
| Rig Veda | Sons of Rudra; associated with storms and swiftness |
| Ushas | Goddess of dawn; symbolizes the transition to light |
| Yajur Veda | Twin gods associated with war and fertility |
| Demi Gods | Gandharvas: Divine musicians and celestial singers |
| Apsaras: Celestial nymphs or spirits of the clouds and waters | |
| Vishwa Devas: Intermediate deities who assist in rituals and sacrifices | |
| Aryaman: Guardian of matrimony and protector of marriages |
1. What is the approximate time range of the Vedic Age (Rig Vedic & Later Vedic)?
[A] 2500 - 1500 BCE
[B] 1000 - 500 BCE
[C] 1500 - 500 BCE
[D] 500 BCE - 500 CE
Answer: [C] 1500 - 500 BCE
Explanation:The Vedic Age is generally considered to have occurred between approximately 1500 BCE and 500 BCE. The early part of this period is associated with the Rig Veda, while the later part is known as the Later Vedic period.
2. Which civilization was succeeded by the Vedic culture in ancient India?
[A] Indus Valley Civilization
[B] Mauryan Civilization
[C] Gupta Civilization
[D] Dravidian Civilization
Answer: [A] Indus Valley Civilization
Explanation:The Vedic culture succeeded the Indus Valley Civilization in ancient India. The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization and the arrival of Indo-Aryans mark the transition to the Vedic Age.
3. What are the primary sources for understanding the Vedic culture?
[A] Epics
[B] Puranas
[C] Vedic texts
[D] Manuscripts
Answer: [C] Vedic texts
Explanation:The primary sources for understanding the Vedic culture are the Vedic texts, including the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda, which contain hymns, rituals, and religious knowledge.
4. Who are believed to be the composers of Vedic texts?
[A] Dravidians
[B] Indo-Aryans
[C] Harappans
[D] Mauryans
Answer: [B] Indo-Aryans
Explanation:The Vedic texts were composed by the Indo-Aryans, who migrated into the Indian subcontinent during the Vedic Age and played a central role in shaping Vedic culture.
5. What does the term "Arya" mean in the Vedic texts?
[A] Noble
[B] Dark
[C] Foreigner
[D] Ruler
Answer: [A] Noble
Explanation:In the Vedic texts, the term "Arya" is used to refer to the noble or respected people. It is an important concept in Vedic literature.
6. According to the Central Asian theory, where did the Aryans originally live?
[A] Europe
[B] Central Asia
[C] Tibet
[D] India
Answer: [B] Central Asia
Explanation:According to the Central Asian theory, the Aryans originally lived in Central Asia and later migrated into the Indian subcontinent.
7. Who is known for propagating the European theory regarding the Aryans' origin?
[A] Max Muller
[B] Sir William Jones
[C] Bal Gangadhar Tilak
[D] Swami Dayanand Saraswati
Answer: [B] Sir William Jones
Explanation:Sir William Jones, a British scholar, is known for propagating the European theory regarding the Aryans' origin, suggesting that they had Indo-European connections.
8. Which river is mentioned as the "river par excellence" of the Aryans in the Rig Veda?
[A] Ganga
[B] Yamuna
[C] Sarasvati
[D] Indus
Answer: [D] Indus
Explanation:In the Rig Veda, the river mentioned as the "river par excellence" is the Indus. The Indus River holds significance in Vedic literature.
9. Which Veda is considered the oldest and is included in the list of World Human Heritage by UNESCO?
[A] Sama Veda
[B] Yajur Veda
[C] Atharva Veda
[D] Rig Veda
Answer: [D] Rig Veda
Explanation:The Rig Veda is considered the oldest of the Vedic texts, and it has been included in the list of World Human Heritage by UNESCO for its historical and cultural significance.
10. What is the Upaveda of Rig Veda?
[A] Dhanur Veda
[B] Ayurveda
[C] Gandharva Veda
[D] Shilpa Veda
Answer: [B] Ayurveda
Explanation:Ayurveda is considered the Upaveda (subsidiary knowledge) of the Rig Veda, as it deals with the science of life and medicine.
11. Which Veda is known as the "Veda of Chants" and contains verses drawn from the Rig Veda with musical notations?
[A] Yajur Veda
[B] Sama Veda
[C] Atharva Veda
[D] Surya Veda
Answer: [B] Sama Veda
Explanation:The Sama Veda is one of the four Vedas in ancient Indian scriptures and is primarily associated with the chanting of hymns and melodies. It consists of verses from the Rig Veda, but these verses are meant to be sung in specific musical patterns during religious rituals and ceremonies.
12. Which Veda deals with the procedure for the performance of sacrifices and is divided into Shukla Yajur Veda and Krishna Yajur Veda?
[A] Sama Veda
[B] Yajur Veda
[C] Atharva Veda
[D] Rig Veda
Answer: [B] Yajur Veda
Explanation:The Yajur Veda primarily deals with the procedure for the performance of sacrifices and rituals. It is divided into two main branches: Shukla Yajur Veda and Krishna Yajur Veda, each with its own set of rituals and mantras.
13. How many hymns are there in the Rig Veda Samhita?
[A] 365
[B] 728
[C] 1028
[D] 1500
Answer: [C] 1028
Explanation:The Rig Veda Samhita contains 1028 hymns. These hymns are the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism and are written in the form of poetic verses.
14. Which of the following Vedas concerns itself with magic spells to ward off evil spirits or dangers?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Sama Veda
[C] Yajur Veda
[D] Atharva Veda
Answer: [D] Atharva Veda
Explanation:The Atharva Veda is the Veda that concerns itself with magic spells, incantations, and rituals meant to ward off evil spirits, diseases, and dangers. It is distinct from the other Vedas, which focus more on religious rituals and hymns.
15. What are the Puranas primarily focused on?
[A] Historical accounts
[B] Mythological stories
[C] Morality and religious duty
[D] Political governance
Answer: [B] Mythological stories
Explanation:The Puranas are primarily focused on mythological stories, legends, and folklore. They contain a wide range of narratives related to Hindu deities, ancient history, cosmology, and religious teachings.
16. Which scripture of ancient India introduced the concepts of 'Atman' and 'Brahman'?
[A] Vedanta
[B] Dharmashastra
[C] Epics
[D] Puranas
Answer: [A] Vedanta
Explanation:The concepts of 'Atman' (the individual soul) and 'Brahman' (the universal consciousness) are introduced and elaborated upon in the Vedanta scriptures, which are a part of ancient Indian philosophy.
17. What is the literal meaning of "Upanishad"?
[A] Knowledge
[B] Scripture
[C] Worship
[D] Meditation
Answer: [A] Knowledge
Explanation:The literal meaning of "Upanishad" is "knowledge." Upanishads are a genre of ancient Indian texts that contain profound spiritual and philosophical teachings.
18. Which Upanishad contains the phrase "Satyamev Jayate" in the National Emblem?
[A] Chandogya Upanishad
[B] Mandukyopanishad
[C] Katha Upanishad
[D] Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Answer: [B] Mandukyopanishad
Explanation:The phrase "Satyamev Jayate" is from the Mandukya Upanishad and is also inscribed in the National Emblem of India. It means "Truth alone triumphs" and is a significant motto in Indian culture.
19. What is the term for the marriage of a man in his own varna or below his varna in ancient Indian society?
[A] Pratiloma marriage
[B] Arranged marriage
[C] Love marriage
[D] Inter-caste marriage
Answer: [A] Pratiloma marriage
Explanation:Pratiloma marriage refers to a marriage where a man marries a woman of his own varna (caste) or a varna considered lower than his own. It was traditionally discouraged in the caste system of ancient India.
20. What are the "Vedangas" in ancient Indian literature?
[A] Secondary scriptures
[B] Limbs of the Vedas
[C] Ritual texts
[D] Epics
Answer: [B] Limbs of the Vedas
Explanation:The "Vedangas" are considered the limbs or auxiliary sciences of the Vedas. They include various disciplines like phonetics, grammar, astronomy, ritual, etymology, and metrics that are essential for understanding and interpreting the Vedas correctly.
21. Which Vedanga deals with the study of phonetics?
[A] Kalpa
[B] Jyotisha
[C] Shiksha
[D] Vyakaran
Answer: [C] Shiksha
Explanation:The Vedanga that deals with the study of phonetics is called "Shiksha." It focuses on the proper pronunciation, accentuation, and phonetic aspects of the Vedic texts, ensuring that the sacred hymns and mantras are chanted correctly.
22. The Kalpa Sutra is further divided into which three categories?
[A] Shrauta Sutra, Grihya Sutra, and Dharmasutra
[B] Shiksha, Kalpa, and Jyotisha
[C] Vyakaran, Nirukta, and Chhanda
[D] Shrauta Sutra, Sama Sutra, and Yajur Sutra
Answer: [A] Shrauta Sutra, Grihya Sutra, and Dharmasutra
Explanation:The Kalpa Sutra is divided into three categories: Shrauta Sutra (dealing with rituals of public sacrifices), Grihya Sutra (dealing with domestic rituals and ceremonies), and Dharmasutra (dealing with legal and ethical principles).
23. Which god is considered the greatest among the Rig Vedic deities?
[A] Agni
[B] Varuna
[C] Indra
[D] Surya
Answer: [C] Indra
Explanation:Among the Rig Vedic deities, Indra is considered the greatest. He is often described as the god of thunder and rain, known for his strength and prowess in battles.
24. Who was the god of fire and served as an intermediary between gods and people in Vedic culture?
[A] Surya
[B] Varuna
[C] Agni
[D] Vayu
Answer: [C] Agni
Explanation:Agni is the god of fire in Vedic culture and serves as an intermediary between gods and people. Fire is essential in Vedic rituals, as offerings are made to Agni to convey them to the deities.
25. Which Vedic god was responsible for causing rain and was often invoked during droughts?
[A] Surya
[B] Varuna
[C] Indra
[D] Agni
Answer: [C] Indra
Explanation:Indra is the Vedic god responsible for causing rain and is often invoked during droughts. He is a significant deity associated with weather and rainfall.
26. In the Vedic period, what were the chief means of livelihood?
[A] Agriculture and trade
[B] Fishing and hunting
[C] Animal husbandry
[D] Manual labor
Answer: [A] Agriculture and trade
Explanation:In the Vedic period, the chief means of livelihood were agriculture and trade. Agriculture was the primary occupation, and trade played a crucial role in economic activities.
27. What is the term for the varna associated with priests and scholars in Vedic society?
[A] Kshatriya
[B] Vaishya
[C] Brahmana
[D] Shudra
Answer: [C] Brahmana
Explanation:The varna associated with priests and scholars in Vedic society is the "Brahmana" varna. They were responsible for performing rituals and preserving sacred knowledge.
28. Who were the warriors and rulers in the Vedic social hierarchy?
[A] Brahmanas
[B] Kshatriyas
[C] Vaishyas
[D] Shudras
Answer: [B] Kshatriyas
Explanation:Kshatriyas were the warriors and rulers in the Vedic social hierarchy. They were responsible for protecting and governing the land.
29. Which Vedic text deals with the rituals and sacrifices?
[A] Upanishads
[B] Puranas
[C] Arthashastra
[D] Brahmanas
Answer: [D] Brahmanas
Explanation:The Vedic texts known as "Brahmanas" deal with the rituals and sacrifices described in the Vedas. They provide instructions and explanations for performing Vedic rituals.
30. Who is considered the founder of the Mauryan Empire in ancient India?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Ashoka the Great
[C] Kanishka
[D] Harsha
Answer: [A] Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation:Chandragupta Maurya is considered the founder of the Mauryan Empire in ancient India. He was the first Mauryan emperor and established the dynasty in the 4th century BCE.
31. What was the primary occupation of the majority of the people during the Vedic period?
[A] Trade
[B] Agriculture
[C] Priesthood
[D] Animal husbandry
Answer: [B] Agriculture
Explanation:Agriculture was the primary occupation of most people during the Vedic period. The society was largely agrarian, and the economy was based on the cultivation of crops and domestication of animals.
32. Which of the following rivers was most significant for Vedic civilization?
[A] Ganges
[B] Yamuna
[C] Sarasvati
[D] Brahmaputra
Answer: [C] Sarasvati
Explanation:The Sarasvati River is believed to have been the most significant river for Vedic civilization, as it is frequently mentioned in Vedic texts. However, over time, this river is said to have dried up or changed its course.
33. What was the main language of the Vedic texts?
[A] Sanskrit
[B] Prakrit
[C] Pali
[D] Dravidian
Answer: [A] Sanskrit
Explanation:The primary language of the Vedic texts is Sanskrit. Sanskrit is an ancient Indo-Aryan language and the language of the Vedas, including the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda.
34. Which concept related to the caste system means "one's own varna" and involved marrying within one's caste or social group?
[A] Varna
[B] Jati
[C] Ashrama
[D] Dharma
Answer: [B] Jati
Explanation:"Jati" is a concept related to the caste system in India. It refers to one's specific social group or sub-caste and is often associated with occupation. Marrying within one's own jati was a common practice.
35. Who is considered the author of the ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, the Arthashastra?
[A] Kautilya (Chanakya)
[B] Baudhayana
[C] Vishwamitra
[D] Manu
Answer: [A] Kautilya (Chanakya)
Explanation:Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, is credited with writing the Arthashastra, an ancient Indian text on statecraft, economics, and political strategy. He was a key advisor to Chandragupta Maurya.
36. Which famous battle is associated with Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism and his commitment to non-violence?
[A] Battle of Kalinga
[B] Battle of Plassey
[C] Battle of Panipat
[D] Battle of Haldighati
Answer: [A] Battle of Kalinga
Explanation:Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism and his commitment to non-violence are associated with the Battle of Kalinga, a brutal conflict where Ashoka witnessed the horrors of war and decided to adopt Buddhism and a policy of non-violence.
37. What was the purpose of the Yajna, a ritual sacrifice in Vedic culture?
[A] To demonstrate one's wealth
[B] To propitiate the gods and seek their blessings
[C] To celebrate weddings
[D] To settle legal disputes
Answer: [B] To propitiate the gods and seek their blessings
Explanation:Yajna was a ritual sacrifice performed in Vedic culture with the primary purpose of offering oblations to gods and seeking their blessings. It was considered a way to maintain cosmic order and harmony.
38. Which animal was often used as a sacrificial offering in Vedic rituals?
[A] Cow
[B] Horse
[C] Elephant
[D] Bull
Answer: [B] Horse
Explanation:Horses were often used as sacrificial offerings in Vedic rituals, especially in the Ashvamedha Yajna, a prominent Vedic ritual.
39. What was the Vedic society's perspective on the importance of Dharma?
[A] It had no significance in Vedic society
[B] It was emphasized as a central principle
[C] It was only followed by priests and scholars
[D] It was primarily a Buddhist concept
Answer: [B] It was emphasized as a central principle
Explanation:Dharma was considered a central principle in Vedic society, emphasizing moral and ethical duties and righteousness in one's actions and behavior.
40. Who is considered the "father of Indian history" and authored the historical text known as "Arthashastra"?
[A] Kalidasa
[B] Panini
[C] Vatsyayana
[D] Chanakya
Answer: [D] Chanakya
Explanation:Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, is often referred to as the "father of Indian history" for his authorship of the Arthashastra, an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economics, and political strategy.
41. What is the term used in the Rig Veda to describe a chieftain or noble since a full-fledged monarchical state had not yet emerged?
[A] King
[B] Raja
[C] Rajan
[D] Monarch
Answer: [C] Rajan
Explanation:In the Rig Veda, the term "Rajan" is used to describe a chieftain or noble, as a full-fledged monarchical state had not yet emerged.
42. Which assembly in the Rig Veda was considered a smaller, more elite gathering?
[A] Sabha
[B] Samiti
[C] Rajan
[D] Gana
Answer: [A] Sabha
Explanation:The Sabha in the Rig Veda was considered a smaller, more elite gathering.
43. In the Rig Veda, what did the term "go" primarily refer to?
[A] Horses
[B] Wealth
[C] Agriculture
[D] Cattle
Answer: [D] Cattle
Explanation:In the Rig Veda, the term "go" primarily refers to cattle, and it is synonymous with wealth (rayi).
44. What was the primary form of social wealth in the Rig Vedic economy?
[A] Agriculture
[B] Horses
[C] Cattle
[D] Woodcutting
Answer: [C] Cattle
Explanation:Cattle was considered the primary form of social wealth in the Rig Vedic economy.
45. Which animal was often obtained as booty in war in the Rig Vedic society, even though it wasn't encountered in India prior to the arrival of Indo-Aryan speakers?
[A] Elephant
[B] Camel
[C] Horse
[D] Cow
Answer: [C] Horse
Explanation:The horse was often obtained as booty in war in the Rig Vedic society, and it was not encountered in India before the arrival of Indo-Aryan speakers.
46. What is the primary unit of social life in the Rig Vedic times, which was patriarchal with the father typically being the head?
[A] Clan
[B] Gana
[C] Sabha
[D] Family
Answer: [D] Family
Explanation:The primary unit of social life in the Rig Vedic times was the family, and it was patriarchal with the father typically being the head.
47. What did the Rig Veda offer the earliest known account of, which became a distinctive feature of traditional Indian society?
[A] Jati
[B] Varna
[C] Caste
[D] Tribe
Answer: [B] Varna
Explanation:The Rig Veda offered the earliest known account of the four varnas: Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra.
48. What major battle is retained in the Rig Veda's memory, pitting the ten kings (Dasarajana) against the Bharat chief Sudra?
[A] Battle of Kurukshetra
[B] Battle of the Gods
[C] Battle of the Ten Chiefs
[D] Battle of the Ten Kings (Dasarajana)
Answer: [D] Battle of the Ten Kings (Dasarajana)
Explanation:The Battle of the Ten Kings (Dasarajana) is mentioned in the Rig Veda.
49. In the Rig Veda, what term is used to describe the popular assemblies?
[A] Sabha
[B] Samiti
[C] Gana
[D] Vispati
Answer: [C] Gana
Explanation:The Rig Veda mentions terms like gana, jana, and vis, which all point to a group or collection of people.
50. What do the terms "gana," "jana," and "vis" in the Rig Veda refer to?
[A] Animals
[B] Crops
[C] Group or collection of people
[D] Deities
Answer: [C] Group or collection of people
Explanation:These terms in the Rig Veda refer to groups or collections of people.
51. What is the role of the Sabha in the Rig Vedic society?
[A] A large gathering for political discussions
[B] A smaller, more elite assembly
[C] A group of chieftains
[D] A religious institution
Answer: [B] A smaller, more elite assembly
Explanation:The Sabha seems to have been a smaller, more elite gathering in the Rig Vedic society.
52. What word is used in the Rig Veda to describe a "chieftain" or "noble" since a full-fledged monarchical state had not yet emerged?
[A] King
[B] Raja
[C] Rajan
[D] Monarch
Answer: [C] Rajan
Explanation:The term "Rajan" in the Rig Veda is best translated as "chieftain" or "noble."
53. What animal, not encountered in India before the Indo-Aryan speakers, is often mentioned in the Rig Veda as a coveted animal obtained as booty in wars?
[A] Elephant
[B] Camel
[C] Horse (asva)
[D] Cow
Answer: [C] Horse (asva)
Explanation:The horse (asva) is mentioned in the Rig Veda as a coveted animal often obtained as booty in wars.
54. What was the primary medium of exchange in the Rig Veda?
[A] Gold coins
[B] Barter system
[C] Cattle (go)
[D] Horses
Answer: [C] Cattle (go)
Explanation:The Rig Veda mentions that cattle (go) served as the medium of exchange.
55. What was the primary unit of social life in the Rig Vedic society, which was patriarchal with the father usually being the head?
[A] Tribe
[B] Clan
[C] Gana
[D] Caste
Answer: [D] Family
Explanation:The primary unit of social life in the Rig Vedic society was the family, and it was patriarchal with the father typically being the head.
56. What were wars referred to in the Rig Veda?
[A] Yuddha
[B] Mahayuddha
[C] Gavishthi
[D] Samiti
Answer: c) Gavishthi
Explanation:Wars in the Rig Veda were termed as "Gavishthi."
57. What is the term used in the Rig Veda to describe the head of the clan?
[A] Gopati
[B] Raja
[C] Vispati
[D] Maharaja
Answer: [A] Gopati
Explanation:The head of the clan in the Rig Veda is described as "Gopati."
58. In the Rig Vedic society, what does the term "Sabha" refer to?
[A] A smaller, more elite gathering
[B] A larger assembly for political discussions
[C] A religious institution
[D] A war council
Answer: [A] A smaller, more elite gathering
Explanation:The Sabha in the Rig Veda refers to a smaller, more elite gathering.
59. What is the term used in the Rig Veda to describe the larger assembly presided over by a Rajan?
[A] Sabha
[B] Samiti
[C] Gana
[D] Assembly
Answer: [B] Samiti
Explanation:The larger assembly presided over by a Rajan in the Rig Veda is described as "Samiti."
60. What was the earliest known account of the four varnas, as mentioned in the Rig Veda?
[A] Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra
[B] Jati, Varna, Caste, and Tribe
[C] Kula, Sabha, Gana, and Samiti
[D] Yajna, Vedic, Brahmin, and Rishi
Answer: [A] Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra
Explanation:The Rig Veda mentions the four varnas: Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra.
61. What was the primary unit of social life in the Later Vedic society, which showed increasing complexity and differentiation?
[A] Clan
[B] Tribe
[C] Village
[D] Caste
Answer: [D] Caste
Explanation:In the Later Vedic society, the primary unit of social life was the caste, which showed increasing complexity and differentiation.
Reference
- Government girls general degree college, Ekbalpur. CC-1/GE-1: History of India from earliest times up to 300 CE
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