The Vedic Age MCQ Questions and Answers

Sol. The river Chenab was referred to as ‘Askini’ in the Vedic texts. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word “Ashk”, meaning ‘dark’, indicating the river’s deep or possibly dark waters. This identification is consistent with traditional interpretations of Vedic geography, where rivers such as Vitasta (Jhelum), Parushni (Ravi), and Shutudri (Sutlej) are also mentioned.

Sol. The rajasuya and vajapeya ceremonies are detailed in the Yajur Veda, which focuses on ritual formulas used during sacrificial ceremonies. These two were significant royal rituals; rajasuya was a consecration ceremony, and vajapeya symbolized victory and strength. The Yajurveda contains both prose and verse used by priests in performing such complex rituals.

Sol. The assembly known as ‘Sabha’ was also called ‘Narishta’, meaning a resolution or decision that is irrevocable. Sabha was one of the prominent political and judicial bodies in early Vedic society, often associated with elite gatherings or councils of elders and leaders, where binding decisions were taken.

Sol. In the Asura type of marriage, payment of bride-price, known as ‘bride wealth’, was a condition. This form of marriage, mentioned in Dharmashastra texts, was considered non-ideal and involved a transaction that emphasized material compensation to the bride’s family.

Sol. The Vajasaneyi Samhita of the Yajurveda consists only of hymns (mantras) without any accompanying prose. It is associated with the Shukla (White) Yajurveda and was used primarily in sacrificial rituals, distinguishing it from the Krishna (Black) Yajurveda, which contains both prose and verse.

Sol. The flood legend, in which Manu is saved by a divine fish (an early avatar of Vishnu), is described in detail in the Satapatha Brahmana. This text, a prose commentary on the Yajurveda, elaborates on rituals and myths, including cosmogonic stories such as the Great Flood.

Sol. The early Vedic religion centered around the worship of natural forces (like Agni, Indra, Varuna) and performance of Yajnas (sacrificial rituals). This reflects a polytheistic and ritualistic tradition where nature deities were propitiated through offerings to maintain cosmic order and prosperity.

Sol. The people who migrated from the Caspian Sea region into the Indian subcontinent are identified as Aryans. Linguistic, archaeological, and genetic studies suggest they were Indo-European speakers who brought with them the Vedic culture, which deeply influenced ancient Indian society.

Sol. Medhatithi was one of the earliest and most prominent commentators on the Manusmriti. His commentary, composed around the 9th–10th century CE, is considered a significant legal and philosophical interpretation of the text, widely referenced in traditional Hindu law and Dharmashastra studies.

Sol. In the early Vedic period, there is no significant evidence to suggest that the birth of a girl was looked down upon. Women held an honourable position, participated in religious activities, and were often educated. The negative perception towards the birth of daughters became more prominent in later periods.

Sol. The concept of ‘Gotra’ became institutionalized during the Later Vedic age. Gotra, meaning lineage or clan, was used to trace descent, primarily through the paternal line, and became important in organizing marriage rules and social hierarchy.

Sol. Manu is regarded as the great lawgiver of ancient India, traditionally credited with the authorship of the Manusmriti, which outlines moral, social, and legal principles. His work became a foundational text in Dharmashastra literature.

Sol. Indra is the most important and frequently mentioned god in the Rigveda. He is portrayed as the king of the gods, the god of thunder and war, and the slayer of the serpent Vritra, symbolizing the release of waters and fertility.

Sol. The Atharva Veda is associated with the origins of Indian medicine. It contains hymns, charms, and spells dealing with health, healing, and the prevention of diseases, laying the groundwork for later developments in Ayurveda.

Sol. The word ‘Jana’, meaning a tribe or people, occurs approximately 275 times in the Rigveda. This reflects the tribal and clan-based structure of early Vedic society, where political and social identity was closely tied to kinship groups.

Sol. The Aitareya Brahmana, a prose text associated with the Rigveda, is noted for dividing the country into five parts. It provides geographical and sociopolitical insights into the Later Vedic period and reflects growing territorial awareness.

Sol. The game of dice was an important ritual element in the Rajasuya ceremony, a royal consecration ritual. Symbolically, the king played a ritual game of dice to assert his victory and sovereignty, reflecting divine sanction of his rule.

Sol. The correct matching of Samhitas with their associated Upanishads is: Rigveda – Kaushitaki (4), Yajurveda – Katha (3), Samaveda – Chandogya (1), Atharvaveda – Mundaka (2). These Upanishads are philosophical texts linked with their respective Vedas, forming part of the Vedanta literature that explores metaphysical themes and spiritual knowledge.

Sol. The Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to Savitri, a solar deity representing the life-giving aspect of the Sun. The mantra, found in Rigveda (3.62.10), is a hymn of spiritual illumination and is one of the most sacred chants in Hindu tradition, invoking Savitri for guidance and enlightenment.

Sol. The published version of the Rigveda Samhita belongs to the Sakala Shakha (branch). It is the only complete recension of the Rigveda that has survived in full, and all current editions and recitations are based on this version.

Sol. Among artisan classes, the chariot-makers (Rathakaras) were entitled to wear the sacred thread (yajnopavita) during the Vedic period. This indicates a relatively higher social and ritual status for certain skilled artisan groups, reflecting the complex stratification within the varna system.

Sol. King Asvapati, a prominent philosophical figure in the Upanishadic Age, was the ruler of Kekaya. He is particularly known from the Chandogya Upanishad, where he is portrayed as a wise king who instructed Brahmins in spiritual knowledge.

Sol. The phrase “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs) is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad (3.1.6). It was adopted as the national motto of India and appears on the state emblem, symbolizing the value of truth in governance and public life.

Sol. Bhrigu is traditionally regarded as the first author of a textbook on Jyotish (astrology). He is credited with the compilation of the Bhrigu Samhita, a foundational work in Indian astrology containing astrological charts and predictions.

Sol. During the Rigvedic period, ‘Niska’ referred to a gold ornament worn around the neck. It was also used as a unit of wealth or currency in some contexts, indicating its dual significance as both a decorative and economic item.

Sol. Sayana, the renowned commentator on the Vedas, was patronised by the Vijayanagar rulers, particularly King Bukka I and his successors. His extensive commentaries on the Vedic Samhitas are still considered authoritative sources for understanding Vedic rituals and language.

Sol. Women during the early Vedic period had the right to education (e.g., figures like Gargi and Maitreyi), held respected positions in society, did not follow the purdah system, and actively participated in social and political assemblies such as the Sabha and Samiti. This reflects a relatively liberal social environment for women during that time.

Sol. The Gramani was not limited to civic duties; he was also a military leader and played an important role in village administration and governance. Thus, the statement restricting his role only to civic purposes is incorrect, whereas other statements about the administrative setup are in line with Vedic descriptions.

Sol. Rig-Vedic Aryans were not acquainted with iron; their tools and weapons were primarily made of bronze and copper. The knowledge and widespread use of iron became prominent only during the Later Vedic period, which contributed to significant socio-economic changes.

Sol. The word ‘Yava’ mentioned in the Rigveda refers to barley, which was one of the primary agricultural products of the early Aryans. It was used both as a staple food and as an offering in rituals.

Sol. An inscription dating to around 1400 B.C. referring to Vedic gods was found at Boghaz-Koi in Asia Minor. This inscription mentions deities such as Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Nasatya, supporting the Indo-Aryan connections with the Mitanni kingdom.

Sol. The story of Sunahsepha (also called Sunnah Sesha), who was to be sacrificed by his father Ajigarta and later saved by divine intervention, is found in the Aitareya Brahmana. It is one of the earliest examples of a sacrificial narrative with moral and ritual significance.

Sol. The correct matching of rivers with their Vedic names is: Satluj – Sutudri (2), Vyas – Vipasha (1), Ravi – Parushni (4), and Chenab – Asikini (3). These identifications are derived from the Rigvedic hymns and corroborated by historical geography that connects these ancient river names to their modern counterparts.

Sol. In Vedic thought, Dharma refers to the ethical duty and righteous conduct in relation to oneself and others, while Rita represents the cosmic and moral order that governs the universe. Both concepts were foundational to Vedic philosophy, where Rita later evolved into the broader concept of Dharma in post-Vedic texts.

Sol. In tribal republics (ganas) of the Vedic period, the head was known as Ganapati or Jyeshtha. These republics had collective leadership structures, and the Ganapati acted as a chief or elder in assemblies, reflecting a proto-democratic form of governance.

Sol. Statement 1 is incorrect because only Mandalas II–VII are considered the oldest and relate to the early Vedic period; Mandalas I and X are later compositions. Statement 4 is also incorrect as the Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda were compiled during the Later Vedic period. However, the total number of hymns in the Rigveda is 1028, and Book VIII is indeed attributed to the Kanvas and Angirases.