Practice important Vedic Age MCQ questions for UPSC Prelims with answers. This quiz covers Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda, Sabha, Samiti, Dasharajna Battle, Varna system, and Later Vedic Period based on Ancient Indian History syllabus.
This quiz contains 85 carefully selected multiple-choice questions (MCQ) with detailed explanations for each answer. Questions cover important topics from History.
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Vedic Age MCQ for UPSC Prelims | Ancient History Questions
Description
Practice important Vedic Age MCQ questions for UPSC Prelims with answers. This quiz covers Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda, Sabha, Samiti, Dasharajna Battle, Varna system, and Later Vedic Period based on Ancient Indian History syllabus.
Difficulty
Hard
Num Questions
85
Points Per Question
1
Time Limit
80 minutes
All MCQ Questions with Answers and Explanations
Question 1: Assertion: The Aranyaka texts are the bridge between the Samhitas and the Upanishads. Reason: They contain elements of both ritual and knowledge.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
The Aranyaka texts mark the transition from ritual to knowledge. This is the middle stage in the development of Vedic thought.
Question 2: Assertion: The importance of sacrifice diminished in the Upanishads. Reason: The Upanishads focused on knowledge and the soul.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
The Upanishads emphasized knowledge over ritual. This marked a turning point in the development of Vedic religion and linked it to Buddhist and Jain thought.
Question 3: Assertion: There was no trade in Rigvedic society. Reason: The economy was completely self-sufficient.
Correct Answer:
B
— both are wrong
Explanation:
Trade was limited (panis, etc.), so both statements are incorrect. This reflects early economic activity.
Question 4: Assertion: The Upanishads developed in the later Vedic period. Reason: People moved away from yagnas and toward knowledge.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
The Upanishads focus on wisdom and philosophy. This is the next stage in the development of Vedic religion.
Question 5: Assertion: The tax system was developed during the Rigvedic period. Reason: The king collected taxes regularly.
Correct Answer:
B
— both are wrong
Explanation:
A regular tax system was not developed in the Rigvedic period. It developed in the later Vedic period.
Question 6: Assertion: Cities developed in the later Vedic period. Reason: Agricultural surplus increased.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
Agricultural surpluses made the development of cities possible. This marked the beginning of urbanization.
Question 7: Assertion: The Rigvedic religion was based on nature worship. Reason: The gods represented natural forces.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
Gods like Indra, Agni, and Varuna symbolized natural forces. This is the fundamental nature of Vedic religion.
Question 8: Assertion: The importance of the committee declined in the later Vedic period. Reason: The king became more powerful.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
The importance of public institutions declined as the king became stronger. This reflected centralization.
Question 9: Assertion: The 'Jana' was the main political unit during the Rigvedic period. Reason: A permanent state system had developed.
Correct Answer:
C
— The statement is correct, the reason is wrong
Explanation:
The "jana" was the main unit, but a permanent state system was not developed. This later evolved into the janapadas.
Question 10: Assertion: The use of iron increased during the later Vedic period. Reason: This made agriculture and land expansion possible.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
Iron tools led to the clearing of forests and the expansion of agriculture, which is linked to the expansion into the Gangetic valley.
Question 11: Assertion: Women enjoyed a good position in Rigvedic society. Reason: They could participate in meetings and committees.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
Women had the right to education and to participate in assembly. This demonstrates social flexibility, which would later decline.
Question 12: Assertion: The king's power increased in the later Vedic period. Reason: Resources increased through the tax system and sacrifices.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
Taxes and sacrifices increased resources, making the king powerful. This indicated the emergence of a centralized state.
Question 13: Assertion: Settled agriculture was not developed during the Rigvedic period. Reason: The Aryans lived a largely nomadic life.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
The Aryans were initially nomadic, so settled agriculture was not developed. Agriculture expanded further during the later Vedic period.
Question 14: Assertion: The caste system became rigid in the later Vedic period. Reason: It began to be determined on the basis of birth.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
The caste system became rigid, based on birth. This increased social inequality, which further fueled reform movements.
Question 15: Assertion: The Rig Vedic economy was mainly based on animal husbandry. Reason: Cow was the main measure of wealth.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
Cows were a symbol of wealth, so animal husbandry was prominent. This reflected the early economy, which later became agrarian.
Question 16: Assertion: Yajnas became more complex in the later Vedic period. Reason: The priestly class gained importance in society.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
Yajnas became more complex as priestly authority increased. This reflected the centralization of religious power, against which later Buddhism and Jainism arose.
Question 17: Assertion: The king's power was limited during the Rigvedic period. Reason: Institutions like the Sabha and Samiti controlled the king.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
Explanation:
In the Rigvedic period, the king was not all-powerful, but was controlled by the Sabha and Samiti. This reflects an early democratic element, which would later develop in the republics (Mahajanapada period).
Question 18: Consider the following statements: (1) The Samhitas are the oldest part of the Vedas. (2) The Upanishads are the final stage of Vedic literature. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
The Samhitas (Rig, Sama, Yaju, Atharva) are the oldest and the Upanishads are the last stage.________________________________________
Question 19: Consider the following statements: (1) The Brahmana texts explain yajna. (2) The Aranyaka texts deal with the practice of forest-dwelling ascetics. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
The Brahmanas describe and explain the rituals of sacrifice, while the Aranyakas are for forest-dwelling ascetics. This shows the evolution of Vedic literature: Samhitas ? Brahmanas ? Aranyakas ? Upanishads.
Question 20: What is 'Vajpeya Yagna' related to?
Correct Answer:
C
— show of strength
Explanation:
The Vajapeya sacrifice was a symbol of power and prestige. It reflected the growing royal power in the later Vedic period.
Question 21: What was the purpose of 'Rajasuya Yagna'?
Correct Answer:
B
— coronation
Explanation:
The Rajasuya sacrifice was associated with the coronation of the king, signifying the legitimacy of royal power.
Question 22: Consider the following statements: (1) The Upanishads emphasized knowledge and philosophy. (2) They belong to the later Vedic period. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
The Upanishads are based on knowledge and philosophy and developed in the later Vedic period. This further connects to Indian philosophy.
Question 23: What is the main theme of the Brahmana texts?
Correct Answer:
B
— Explanation of the sacrifice
Explanation:
The Brahmanas, which describe the rituals and explanations of sacrifices, form the next stage of Vedic literature.
Question 24: Which of the following is correctly matched?
Correct Answer:
B
— Samaveda – Music
Explanation:
Samaveda is related to music. Other pairs are incorrect.
Question 25: What is the meaning of the word 'Gomati'?
Correct Answer:
B
— Rich in cows
Explanation:
Gomati means rich in cows, signifying the importance of livestock.
Question 26: Consider the following statements: (1) The importance of the 'samiti' declined in the later Vedic period. (2) The power of the king increased in the later Vedic period. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
The importance of the committee declined and the power of the king increased. This reflected centralization.
Question 27: Which of the following statements is correct?
Correct Answer:
C
— The importance of horse in the Rigvedic period was
Explanation:
The horse was important in both warfare and sacrifice. It is also associated with the Ashwamedha Yajna.
Question 28: Consider the following statements: (1) The tax system developed in the later Vedic period. (2) 'Bali' and 'Bhag' were forms of tax. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
The tax system developed in the later Vedic period, and "sacrifice" and "shaga" were levied as taxes. This indicates the strengthening of the state.
Question 29: The words 'Gavishthi' and 'Goshu' are related to?
Correct Answer:
B
— animal husbandry
Explanation:
These words are related to cows and reflect an economy based on animal husbandry.
Question 30: Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
Correct Answer:
D
— friend – war
Explanation:
Mithras was a god of peace and covenant, not associated with war. This helps to understand the gods' functions.
Question 31: On the banks of which river did the 'Dasharajna War' take place?
Correct Answer:
C
— Parushni
Explanation:
The Dasharajna War, fought on the banks of the Parushni (Ravi) River, is an important example of early tribal conflict.
Question 32: For whom is the word 'Ayas' used in Vedic literature?
Correct Answer:
B
— Copper/Bronze
Explanation:
In the Rigveda, "ayas" refers to copper/bronze, while in the later Vedic period, "shyama ayas" (iron) is mentioned. This reflects technological advances.
Question 33: Consider the following statements: (1) The word 'pura' is also used to refer to an enemy fort. (2) The title 'Purandara' is given to Indra. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Pura was used for fortified settlements, and Indra was called "Purandara" (destroyer of forts). This signifies tribal conflict and warfare.
Question 34: What is the relation between 'Nishka' and 'Karsha'?
Correct Answer:
C
— Exchange and metal value
Explanation:
Nishka (gold ornament/currency) and karsha (weight unit) were associated with economic exchange. This reflects the development of an early economy, which later evolved into a monetary system.
Question 35: Consider the following statements: (1) Vidatha is mentioned in the Rig Veda. (2) Vidatha was limited to religious functions only. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
A
— only 1
Explanation:
The Vidatha was a community institution described in the Rigveda, which served not only religious but also social and military functions. It represents early community organization, which later evolved into institutions such as the Sabha-Samiti.
Question 36: Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Correct Answer:
C
— The Upanishads only describe the sacrifice.
Explanation:
The Upanishads are not based on sacrifices but on knowledge and philosophy.
Question 37: In which do the concepts of 'Brahma' and 'Atman' meet?
Correct Answer:
D
— Upanishads
Explanation:
The Upanishads provide a profound analysis of Brahman and Atman. This forms the foundation of Indian philosophy.
Question 38: Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Correct Answer:
C
— Upanishads – Knowledge
Explanation:
The Upanishads deal with knowledge and philosophy. The Brahmanas deal with the interpretation of sacrifices. The Aranyakas deal with meditation/forest life. The Samhitas are collections of mantras.
Question 39: Which of the following statements is correct?
Correct Answer:
B
— The sources of income of the king increased in the later Vedic period.
Explanation:
In the later Vedic period, the king's income increased through taxes, sacrifices, etc. This indicates the strengthening of the state.
Question 40: The concept of 'Shrey' and 'Preya' is related to?
Correct Answer:
C
— Visit
Explanation:
This is the philosophical concept of the Upanishads. It reflects the intellectual development of the later Vedic period.
Question 41: Consider the following statements: (1) Trade expanded during the later Vedic period. (2) Rivers served as trade routes. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Trade increased and rivers became routes, reflecting the expansion of economic activity.
Question 42: What was the main function of the 'Gramani'?
Correct Answer:
B
— Village administration
Explanation:
The Gramani was the head of the village and handled the administration. This is an early form of local government.
Question 43: Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Correct Answer:
C
— In the Rigvedic period, women did not participate in the assembly.
Explanation:
During the Rigvedic period, women could participate in assembly meetings. This indicates their improved status.
Question 44: For whom is the word 'Pani' used?
Correct Answer:
B
— Businessman
Explanation:
Pani refers to the merchant class. It represents an early form of trade.
Question 45: Consider the following statements: (1) During the Rigvedic period, wars were primarily fought over livestock. (2) During the later Vedic period, conflicts over land increased. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Struggles were first for livestock, then for land. This reflects economic change.
Question 46: Which of the following statements is correct?
Correct Answer:
B
— Permanent settlements developed in the later Vedic period
Explanation:
Permanent settlements developed in the later Vedic period, marking the beginning of urbanization.
Question 47: Consider the following statements: (1) In the Rigvedic period, the king was called 'Janasya Gopa'. (2) It means "protector of the people." Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
The king was called "Janasya Gopa," meaning protector of the people. This reflects the king's limited and protective role.
Question 48: Which of the following statements is correct for the post-Vedic economy?
Correct Answer:
B
— Both agriculture and animal husbandry were important.
Explanation:
Both agriculture and animal husbandry were important in the later Vedic period, indicating a mixed economy.
Question 49: What is the word 'part' related to?
Correct Answer:
B
— Tax
Explanation:
The "bhaga" (share) was a portion of agricultural produce that was given to the king. This indicates an organized tax system.
Question 50: Consider the following statements: (1) Women participated in religious rituals during the Rigvedic period. (2) The religious role of women became limited during the later Vedic period. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Women enjoyed greater freedom during the Rigvedic period, while their position weakened during the later Vedic period. This social change is further linked to reform movements.
Question 51: Consider the following statements: (1) Individual ownership of land did not exist during the Rigvedic period. (2) Private ownership of land increased during the later Vedic period. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Land was held collectively during the Rigvedic period, while private ownership increased during the later Vedic period. This reflects economic change and is further linked to the development of settled agriculture and janapadas.
Question 52: What was 'Vidatha'?
Correct Answer:
C
— Religious-social organizations
Explanation:
The vidatha was a public gathering where social and religious functions took place. It reflects early community life.
Question 53: Consider the following statements: (1) The family system in Rigvedic society was patriarchal. (2) The joint family system developed in the later Vedic period. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
The family was patriarchal, and the joint family system increased in the later Vedic period. This reflects the development of social organization.
Question 54: Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Correct Answer:
D
— The status of women improved in the later Vedic period.
Explanation:
The position of women weakened in the later Vedic period. This reflects social change.
Question 55: Consider the following statements: (1) Yajnas became more complex in the later Vedic period. (2) The importance of priests increased. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Yajnas became more complex and the role of priests increased. This reflected the centralization of religious power, against which Buddhism and Jainism later emerged.
Question 56: The words 'Das' and 'Dasyu' are related to?
Correct Answer:
B
— Enemies/Non-Aryans
Explanation:
Dasas and Dasyus represent the enemies of the Aryans or non-Aryan groups. This reflects social and cultural conflict.
Question 57: Which of the following statements is correct?
Correct Answer:
B
— The use of iron increased in the later Vedic period.
Explanation:
The use of iron in the later Vedic period led to the expansion of agriculture. This is an important sign of economic change.
Question 58: What is the meaning of the word 'Janapada'?
Correct Answer:
B
— place of residence of the people
Explanation:
Janapada means a place where people live. This marks the transition from "jana" to "janapada," which further connects to the Mahajanapada period.
Question 59: Consider the following statements: (1) The king's power was limited during the Rigvedic period. (2) The king's power increased during the later Vedic period. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In the Rigvedic period, the king's power was limited by the assembly and committee, while in the later Vedic period, his power increased due to yagnas and the tax system. This indicates the move towards a centralized state.
Question 60: What was the meaning of the word 'sacrifice' in the Vedic period?
Correct Answer:
B
— Religious donations/taxes
Explanation:
A "sacrifice" was a tax or gift paid to the king. This represents an early form of the tax system, which later evolved into an organized revenue system.
Question 61: Consider the following statements: (1) The Sabha was an elite institution. (2) The Samiti was attended by the general public. Choose the correct answer:
Correct Answer:
C
— Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
The assembly consisted of distinguished persons (elders, nobles), while the committee consisted of common people. This represents early democratic institutions, which later became linked to the republican tradition.
Question 62: Which of the following statements is correct?
Correct Answer:
C
— Animal husbandry was prominent in the Rigvedic period.
Explanation:
Rigvedic society was primarily pastoral, while agriculture grew in importance during the later Vedic period. This was a significant step toward settled life and the formation of janapadas.
Question 63: Consider the following statements: (1) The varna system in Rigvedic society was rigid and based on birth. (2) The varna system became more complex in the later Vedic period.
Correct Answer:
B
— only 2
Explanation:
The varna system was flexible and karma-based during the Rigvedic period, so statement 1 is incorrect. It became rigid and birth-based during the later Vedic period, so statement 2 is correct. This change is further linked to the rise of Buddhism and Jainism, which reflected a reaction against social inequality.
Question 64: What is the meaning of the word 'Aranyaka'?
Correct Answer:
B
— forest-related
Explanation:
Aranyaka means forest. These texts were meant for the ascetics who lived in the forest.
Question 65: What is 'Ashwamedha Yagya' related to?
Correct Answer:
C
— State expansion
Explanation:
The Ashwamedha sacrifice symbolized the king's power and expansion. It signified the development of strong royal authority, which in turn was linked to the formation of empires.
Question 66: The use of which metal increased in the later Vedic period?
Correct Answer:
C
— Iron
Explanation:
The use of iron improved agricultural tools and increased cultivation through forest clearing. This is linked to the expansion into the Gangetic valley and the rise of the Mahajanapadas.
Question 67: What was the form of the 'caste system' in the post-Vedic period?
Correct Answer:
B
— Birth based
Explanation:
Initially, varna was based on karma, but in the later Vedic period, it became based on birth. This marks the beginning of social inequality, which continues into later history (Buddhist-Jain period).
Question 68: The 'Sapta Sindhu' region is related to?
Correct Answer:
B
— Rigvedic period
Explanation:
The Sapta Sindhu region (region of the seven rivers) was the core area of ??the Rigvedic civilization. Later, during the later Vedic period, the Aryans moved towards the Ganges valley.
Question 69: Who were 'Visvamitra' and 'Vashishtha'?
Correct Answer:
C
— sage
Explanation:
These were renowned sages who composed the hymns of the Rigveda. They are associated with the Vedic knowledge tradition and the Gurukula system. Both were prominent Vedic sages associated with the Saptarishi tradition, and are also associated with the Dasharajna War.
Question 70: In which Veda is the mention of 'Dasharajna War' found?
Correct Answer:
D
— Rigveda
Explanation:
The Rigveda describes the Dasharagna War, a conflict between various tribes. This represents the earliest political struggles that led to the formation of larger states.
Question 71: For whom is the word 'Pur' used?
Correct Answer:
B
— Fort or settlement
Explanation:
Pura means a fortified settlement or city. The Rigveda mentions the destruction of enemy "puras." This is further linked to the development of permanent settlements and cities (the Mahajanapada period).
Question 72: Which natural element was worshipped the most in the Rig Veda?
Correct Answer:
C
— fire
Explanation:
Agni was considered the mediator between gods and humans. This is associated with the yajna tradition.
Question 73: How many mandalas are there in Rigveda?
Correct Answer:
C
— 10
Explanation:
The Rigveda has 10 mandalas. This is important in understanding its structure.
Question 74: Whose importance increased in the later Vedic period?
Correct Answer:
C
— Creator
Explanation:
Prajapati emerged as the creator. This reflects the evolution of religious thought.
Question 75: With whom is Lord Varun related?
Correct Answer:
B
— Water and morality
Explanation:
Varuna was considered the god of water and rita (moral order). This represents the concept of morality in Vedic religion.
Question 76: What is the meaning of the word 'Gavishti'?
Correct Answer:
C
— Searching for cows
Explanation:
Gavishti means struggle for cows. It reflects the animal husbandry-based economy.
Question 77: What did the word 'wish' mean?
Correct Answer:
D
— tribal group
Explanation:
Vish meant the entire population. It represented the broadest unit of social organization.
Question 78: What was the function of the 'priest' in the Rig Veda?
Correct Answer:
B
— perform sacrifice
Explanation:
Priests performed sacrifices and were also advisors to the king. This demonstrates the connection between religion and politics.
Question 79: What is Atharvaveda related to?
Correct Answer:
B
— Witchcraft and medicine
Explanation:
The Atharvaveda describes the treatment of diseases, witchcraft, etc. It reflects the practical life of society.
Question 80: What is Yajurveda related to?
Correct Answer:
B
— Yajna method
Explanation:
The Yajurveda contains methods for performing yajnas. This led to the increasing importance of yajnas in the later Vedic period.
Question 81: Samaveda is mainly related to what?
Correct Answer:
B
— music
Explanation:
The Samaveda contains chants (music). This was used in religious rituals. This later formed the foundation of the Indian musical tradition.
Question 82: What was the function of the committee?
Correct Answer:
B
— Selecting the King
Explanation:
The Samiti was a public assembly that also elected the king. This was an early form of democracy, which later became associated with republics.
Question 83: What was the meaning of the word 'Jana'?
Correct Answer:
D
— Tribe
Explanation:
In Rigvedic society, the "jana" was a tribal unit. This later evolved into the "janapada," which dates back to the Mahajanapada period.
Question 84: Who is the most important god in the Rig Veda?
Correct Answer:
C
— Indra
Explanation:
Indra, considered the god of war and rain, is the most revered deity. This is linked to the tribal conflicts and pastoral economy of the time. Prajapati's importance further increases in the later Vedic period.
Question 85: What is Rigveda related to?
Correct Answer:
B
— praise songs
Explanation:
The Rigveda contains hymns (hymns) in praise of the gods. It is the oldest text in Vedic literature. The later Vedic period saw the rise of the importance of yajna, which is linked to the Yajurveda.