Mastering Parajumbles: Tips, Tricks, and Examples for Competitive Exams

The Vedic Age is a crucial topic in Indian history, spanning from 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. It laid the foundations for Indian society, religion, and philosophy.

This post provides important multiple-choice questions about the Vedic Age. These questions will help you practice and memorize the important points from Vedic age for competitive exams like the UPSC, SSC, and state-level exams.

Why is the Vedic Age Important for Exams?

The Vedic Age is a major part of Indian history, especially for government exams. Focus on these aspects to boost your preparation:

• Vedic Texts: Key sources of knowledge like the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
• Religious Practices: Worship of gods like Indra, Agni, and Soma.
• Social Structure: The evolution of the Varna system and the role of Brahmins and Kshatriyas.
• Political and Economic Life: Tribal governance, rituals, and agrarian economy.

Key Topics to Focus on for Vedic Age

1. The Four Vedas
   The Vedas form the basis of Vedic literature. Each Veda consists of:

   • Samhitas (hymns)
   • Brahmanas (rituals)
   • Aranyakas (theological discussions)
   • Upanishads (philosophical teachings)

2. Vedic Gods and Rituals
   Deities like Indra, Agni, and Soma were worshipped through elaborate rituals. Yajnas (sacrifices) were central to Vedic religious life.

3. The Social Structure
   The Varna system classified society into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The concept of Dharma (duty) and Karma (action) emerged during this period.

4. Philosophical Concepts
   The Upanishads focus on deep philosophical discussions on Brahman (ultimate reality), Atman (soul), and the nature of existence. These texts laid the foundation for Vedanta philosophy.

If you want to dive deeper into the Aryan and Vedic Age, check out our detailed notes on the topic for comprehensive insights:

• The Aryan and Vedic Age - An Overview

Most Repeated Questions from Vedic Age in SSC and Other Govt. Exams

Here are some of the most frequently asked MCQs that focus on important aspects of the Vedic Age:

Practice Show All Answers

Q1: The word 'Veda' means?

A. Wisdom

B. Knowledge

C. Truth

D. Learning

The word 'Veda' literally means 'Knowledge' in Sanskrit. It refers to the vast body of knowledge passed down through generations in the form of hymns, philosophies, rituals, and teachings.

Q2: How many Vedas are there in Indian literature of classical Hinduism?

A. Five

B. Three

C. Four

D. Six

There are four Vedas in total—Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. These texts form the foundation of Vedic literature and the religious practices of ancient India.

Q3: Dharmasutras contain:

A. Norms for rulers

B. Hymns for worship

C. Rituals for the dead

D. Codes for daily life

The Dharmasutras are the earliest texts of Hindu law and contain codes of conduct and norms, particularly for rulers, priests, and society in general. They address issues such as governance, ethics, and social order.

Q4: What is the correct group of important Gods of the Vedic period?

A. Agni, Indra, Soma

B. Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma

C. Rama, Krishna, Hanuman

D. Varuna, Yama, Surya

Agni, Indra, and Soma were the most important deities in the Vedic period. Agni is the god of fire, Indra is the king of gods and god of thunder and war, and Soma is the god associated with the moon and a sacred plant.

Q5: The prime among the various sources of Aryan culture are ____?

A. Ritual texts

B. Sacred geography

C. Tribal wars

D. Philosophical treatises

The prime sources of Aryan culture were the ritual texts, which include the Vedas, Brahmanas, and other texts that provided detailed instructions on rituals, sacrifices, and worship. These rituals shaped the spiritual and cultural life of the Aryan civilization.

Q6: The collections of Vedic hymns or mantras are known as ____?

A. Upanishads

B. Samhitas

C. Brahmanas

D. Sutras

The collections of Vedic hymns or mantras are called Samhitas. These are the foundational texts of the Vedic tradition and are dedicated to various deities, rituals, and philosophical teachings.

Q7: The Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and Dharmasutras are all written in which language?

A. Prakrit

B. Sanskrit

C. Tamil

D. Pali

The Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and Dharmasutras were all written in Sanskrit. This language was used extensively in the religious and philosophical texts of ancient India.

Q8: How many Vedangas are there in total?

A. Four

B. Six

C. Seven

D. Eight

There are six Vedangas, which are considered the auxiliary disciplines that help in understanding the Vedas. These are Shiksha (phonetics), Kalpa (rituals), Vyakarana (grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Chhandas (meters), and Jyotisha (astronomy).

Q9: Patanjali is well known for the compilation of:

A. Yoga Sutra

B. Arthashastra

C. Manusmriti

D. Bhagavad Gita

Patanjali is best known for compiling the Yoga Sutras, which are a collection of aphorisms that form the basis of the philosophy and practice of yoga.

Q10: Which metal was first used by the Vedic people?

A. Iron

B. Bronze

C. Copper

D. Gold

The Vedic people primarily used copper for making tools and utensils. Iron usage became prominent in later periods, during the Mahajanapada era.

Q11: In ancient and medieval India, the form of worship often associated with the goddess, in which practitioners often ignored differences of caste and class within the ritual context, was known as:

A. Bhakti

B. Vedic

C. Tantric

D. Shaivite

Tantric worship, especially in the medieval period, focused on rituals and practices that transcended caste and class distinctions. It is often associated with the worship of goddesses and the use of specific mantras, rituals, and symbols.

Q12: Which Veda for the first time mentioned the eastern and western seas texts is mentioned ____?

A. Yajurveda

B. Samaveda

C. Atharvaveda

D. Rigveda

The Rigveda is the earliest Veda, and it contains references to the eastern and western seas. This highlights the Vedic understanding of the geographical expanse during that time.

Q13: Who performed religious rituals for the king during the Vedic period?

A. Brahmin

B. Kshatriya

C. Rajguru

D. Satpath Brahmana

The Satpath Brahmana is the text that details rituals performed by Brahmins on behalf of the king. These rituals were an essential part of Vedic kingship.

Q14: Which Varna was at the first place among the four known varnas?

A. Brahmin

B. Kshatriya

C. Vaishya

D. Shudra

The Brahmins, who were the priestly class, held the highest position among the four varnas in ancient Vedic society. They were responsible for performing religious rituals and preserving sacred knowledge.

Q15: In which Yajna a horse is let loose to wander freely?

A. Ashvamedha Yajna

B. Agnihotra Yajna

C. Rajasuya Yajna

D. Somayajna

The Ashvamedha Yajna involved the sacrifice of a horse that was allowed to wander freely, signifying the king's dominion over a large territory. It was a royal ritual for establishing sovereignty.

Q16: The term Takshan in the Vedic period was used for the tax which the king's men collected from ____?

A. Landowners

B. Cattle owners

C. Farmers

D. Bali

'Takshan' refers to a tax collected from the people, specifically from Bali, which was often levied on agricultural produce, livestock, or resources.

Q17: In the Vedic period, 'Rajasuya Yajna' was a ____?

A. Religious ritual

B. Royal ceremony performed by the king

C. Battle sacrifice

D. Harvest festival

Rajasuya Yajna was a grand royal ritual performed by the king to affirm his authority and sovereignty, often involving offerings, feasts, and the participation of various clans and leaders.

Q18: The cow in the Vedic period was guarded by the ____?

A. Army

B. Police

C. Villagers

D. Farmers

During the Vedic period, the cow was considered sacred, and its protection was ensured by the army as part of the social and religious system.

Q19: Which animal had the most prestigious place in society during the later Vedic period?

A. Elephant

B. Horse

C. Cow

D. Camel

The cow had the highest prestige during the later Vedic period. It was considered sacred, and owning cows was a sign of wealth and prosperity. Cows were also integral to religious rituals.

Q20: The staple food of the Vedic Aryans was?

A. Barley

B. Wheat

C. Rice

D. Oats

Barley was the staple food of the Vedic Aryans. It was cultivated and used in various forms for food and for offerings in rituals. Rice and wheat became more prevalent in later periods.

Q21: At one stage in the Vedic Age, the king was called 'Gopati' which meant ____?

A. Lord of horses

B. Lord of cattle

C. Lord of the land

D. Protector of the people

The term 'Gopati' refers to the king as the "Lord of cattle." Cattle, especially cows, were highly valued in the Vedic period as a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Q22: The ancient name of the river Tungabhadra was ____?

A. Saraswati

B. Sindhu

C. Pampa

D. Ganges

The ancient name of the river Tungabhadra was Pampa. It is one of the important rivers in southern India, particularly in the Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh regions.

Q23: The caste system in India was created for ____?

A. Milk and its products

B. Social hierarchy

C. Division of labor

D. Protection of society

The caste system, as mentioned in the Vedic texts, was primarily created for the division of labor. Each of the four varnas had specific duties and responsibilities to ensure the smooth functioning of society.

Q24: The Earliest Settlements of Aryan tribes were at the ____?

A. Sindhu Valley

B. Ganga Valley

C. Pampa

D. Indus Valley

The earliest settlements of the Aryan tribes were along the Pampa region, identified with the area near modern-day Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The Aryans eventually spread into other parts of India.

Q25: Vedic Civilisation in India flourished along ____?

A. River Yamuna

B. River Saraswati

C. River Ganges

D. River Narmada

The Vedic civilization flourished along the River Saraswati. This river was highly significant in the Vedic texts, but its existence is debated, with many considering it a now-dried river or a mythological river.

Q26: The most important text of Vedic mathematics is ____?

A. Yajurveda

B. Rigveda

C. Satapatha Brahmana

D. Atharvaveda

The Satapatha Brahmana contains important sections that deal with Vedic mathematics, specifically in the context of performing rituals, calculating time, and understanding the universe.

Q27: Which of these crops was NOT known by the people of the Vedic period? 1) Rice 2) Tobacco 3) Barley 4) Wheat

A. Rice

B. Wheat

C. Barley

D. Tobacco

Tobacco was not known during the Vedic period. Crops like rice, barley, and wheat were already cultivated by the Aryans, but tobacco was introduced to India much later.

Q28: Vikram Era starts from which year?

A. 500 BCE

B. 57 BCE

C. 1000 BCE

D. 1500 BCE

The Vikram Era, also known as the Vikram Samvat, starts from 57 BCE. It was established by King Vikramaditya and is still used in parts of India and Nepal for calculating dates.

Q29: Which is the oldest Veda among the four Vedas?

A. Samaveda

B. Atharvaveda

C. Yajurveda

D. Rigveda

The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas. It consists of hymns and praises to the gods and is considered the most important of the Vedic texts.

Q30: Which Veda provides information about the civilisation of the Early Vedic Age?

A. Samaveda

B. Yajurveda

C. Rigveda

D. Atharvaveda

The Rigveda provides extensive information about the early Vedic Age, including the life, society, and religious practices of the Aryans.

Q31: How many books are known as the Rigveda?

A. 12

B. 10

C. 8

D. 7

The Rigveda consists of 10 books, also known as mandalas. These books contain hymns and mantras dedicated to various deities.

Q32: Hymns of the Rigveda (Mandalas) is ____?

A. Divided into sections

B. Divided into mandalas

C. Combined into one text

D. Incomplete

The hymns of the Rigveda are divided into mandalas, or books, each containing hymns dedicated to different deities. These mandalas are further classified into verses (suktas).

Q33: Which Veda depicts the life of the early Vedic people?

A. Rigveda

B. Samaveda

C. Yajurveda

D. Atharvaveda

The Rigveda is the key source that depicts the life of the early Vedic people, their societal structure, customs, and religious practices.

Q34: In India, the tribe 'Bharata' were the first tribe to get politically united under the leadership of ____?

A. King Dasharatha

B. King Bharata

C. King Yudhishthira

D. King Vikramaditya

The tribe 'Bharata' was the first Aryan tribe to be politically united under the leadership of King Bharata, who is often considered a legendary figure in the Vedic texts.

Q35: How many Varnas were people divided into in Ancient India, and which Veda is associated with this system?

A. Four; Purusha Sukta

B. Three; Rigveda

C. Four; Bhagavad Gita

D. Three; Atharvaveda

People in Ancient India were divided into four Varnas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. This system is described in the Purusha Sukta of the Rigveda.

Q36: Who is the most prominent god of Rig Veda?

A. Agni

B. Indra

C. Varuna

D. Soma

Indra is the most prominent god in the Rigveda. He is the god of thunder, rain, and war, and plays a central role in many hymns.

Q37: Which deity was known as the breaker of forts in the Rig Veda?

A. Agni

B. Soma

C. Varuna

D. Indra

Indra is often referred to as the "breaker of forts" in the Rigveda, symbolizing his power in battle and his ability to defeat enemies.

Q38: Which hymn from the Rigveda is completely dedicated to the Rig Veda's Mandala used by the Brahmanas of ancient India to justify the Varna system?

A. Purusha Sukta

B. Hiranyagarbha

C. Agni Sukta

D. Vishnu Sukta

The Purusha Sukta from the Rigveda is the hymn that justifies the Varna system, describing the cosmic sacrifice of the primordial being, Purusha, whose parts formed the different varnas.

Q39: The Aitareya Brahmana is associated with ____?

A. Yajurveda

B. Samaveda

C. Atharvaveda

D. Rigveda

The Aitareya Brahmana is associated with the Rigveda and explains the rituals and ceremonies associated with the Vedic sacrifices.

Q40: Which Upanishad is associated with Ayurveda?

A. Katha Upanishad

B. Atharva Upanishad

C. Chandogya Upanishad

D. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

The Atharvaveda, through the Atharvaveda Upanishad, deals with healing and medicinal practices, and is considered associated with Ayurveda.

Q41: Which Veda is referred to as the starting source of the word 'Rudra'?

A. Yajurveda

B. Samaveda

C. Atharvaveda

D. Rigveda

The word 'Rudra' is first mentioned in the Rigveda. Rudra is an important Vedic deity, often associated with the storm, wind, and the healing arts.

Q42: In which mantra was the Dasarajana war (the Rigveda mentions) mentioned?

A. Purusha Sukta

B. Dhanurveda

C. Vishnu Sukta

D. Rigveda

The Dasarajana war is mentioned in the Rigveda, particularly in the context of the conflicts between the Bharata tribe and other tribes.

Q43: The main collections of Vedic hymns are called ____?

A. Upanishads

B. Samhitas

C. Brahmanas

D. Sutras

The Samhitas are the main collections of Vedic hymns. They contain the mantras and hymns dedicated to various deities.

Q44: The Rajas/kings did not collect taxes during the ____ period.

A. Vedic period

B. Post-Vedic period

C. Rigvedic period

D. Later Vedic period

During the Rigvedic period, there was no formal system of tax collection. The Rajas mainly collected offerings and tributes, not taxes.

Q45: As per the Rigvedic or Early Vedic religious practices, who was a River Goddess?

A. Ganga

B. Sindhu

C. Yamuna

D. Saraswati

Sindhu, the Rigvedic name for the Indus River, was revered as a goddess in early Vedic religious practices. The river is also often personified as a divine entity.

Q46: The Rigvedic name of Chenab was ____?

A. Ravi

B. Askini

C. Sindhu

D. Saraswati

The Rigvedic name for the Chenab river was Askini. The rivers mentioned in the Rigveda often had different names than what we know them as today.

Q47: What is the Rigvedic name of Parushni?

A. Saraswati

B. Sindhu

C. Yamuna

D. Ravi

Parushni is the Rigvedic name for the Ravi river. The river played an important role in the Vedic texts and is mentioned in many hymns.

Q48: In the Rigveda, there is a hymn in the form of a dialogue between Sage Vishvamitra and two rivers Vipasa and Sutlej which throw light on the fact that river worship as god began in Sutlej ____?

A. When it dried up

B. When it flooded

C. When it became sacred

D. When it was discovered

The hymn from the Rigveda highlights that the rivers Vipasa (Beas) and Sutlej were worshipped as deities, marking the beginning of river worship as sacred entities in early Vedic culture.

Q49: Which of the following is NOT one of the 3 most important deities mentioned in Rigveda?

A. Agni

B. Indra

C. Soma

D. Prajapati

Prajapati is not one of the three most important deities mentioned in the Rigveda. The most important deities are Agni (god of fire), Indra (god of thunder), and Soma (god of the sacred plant and drink).

Q50: Soma (Agni 2) Indra (3) Yajnavalkya ____?

A. Is part of the Rigveda

B. Is the name of a king

C. Is mentioned in the Mahabharata

D. Was a prominent philosopher

Soma, Agni, and Indra are deities mentioned in the Rigveda, and their significance is tied to Vedic rituals. Yajnavalkya was a sage but not associated directly with the phrase in the question.

Q51: Which Veda contains sacrificial ____?

A. Yajurveda

B. Samaveda

C. Rigveda

D. Atharvaveda

The Yajurveda is the Veda that contains the sacrificial rites, including the procedures for performing yajnas or Vedic rituals. It is the Veda of ritual and liturgy.

Q52: Which Veda is the shortest among the four Vedas, holds a secondary position to the Rig Veda in the matter of language, and is full of rituals to be performed publicly?

A. Samaveda

B. Yajurveda

C. Atharvaveda

D. Rigveda

The Samaveda is the shortest among the four Vedas. It primarily consists of chants and melodies used in public rituals and sacrifices.

Q53: White, short, found in two recensions, black and divine status in Hindu tradition and is a collection of melodies and chants.

A. Yajurveda

B. Samaveda

C. Atharvaveda

D. Rigveda

The Samaveda is known for its melodies and chants, which were sung by priests during rituals. It is considered the Veda of music.

Q54: Which Veda is entirely borrowed from the hymns of Rig Vedic Samhitas?

A. Yajurveda

B. Samaveda

C. Atharvaveda

D. Brahmanas

The Samaveda is largely a collection of hymns taken from the Rigveda, with some modifications for use in liturgical chanting.

Q55: Which of the four Vedas contains a collection of magic spells and charms to fend off evil spirits and diseases?

A. Yajurveda

B. Rigveda

C. Samaveda

D. Atharvaveda

The Atharvaveda contains hymns, spells, and incantations used for healing, magic, and protection from evil. It is sometimes referred to as the "Veda of magical knowledge."

Q56: The Atharvaveda is a collection of ____?

A. Rituals

B. Sacrifices

C. Magical hymns and spells

D. Hymns for deities

The Atharvaveda is known for its magical hymns and spells that are used for healing, protection, and other rituals aimed at influencing the natural world.

Q57: Which Veda is not a part of Vedatrayi?

A. Rigveda

B. Samaveda

C. Yajurveda

D. Atharvaveda

The Atharvaveda is not part of the Vedatrayi, the "three Vedas" which consist of the Rigveda, Samaveda, and Yajurveda. The Atharvaveda is considered somewhat separate from the other three.

Q58: Which Brahmana is associated with the Atharvaveda?

A. Aitareya Brahmana

B. Gopatha Brahmana

C. Satapatha Brahmana

D. Taittiriya Brahmana

The Gopatha Brahmana is associated with the Atharvaveda. It explains the rituals and practices related to the Atharvaveda.

Q59: The Upanishads are: 1) Rig Veda 2) Sama Veda 3) Yajur Veda 4) Atharva Veda

A. None of the above

B. All of the above

C. Only Rigveda

D. Only Yajurveda

The Upanishads are separate texts that form the concluding parts of the Vedas, dealing with philosophy, meditation, and the nature of ultimate reality. None of the Vedas listed is an Upanishad itself.

Q60: The word 'Upanishad' literally has been derived from ____?

A. Sitting near devotedly

B. Hidden knowledge

C. Light of wisdom

D. Ancient teachings

The word "Upanishad" comes from the Sanskrit roots "upa" (near) and "ni" (down) and "shad" (to sit). It refers to sitting near a teacher to receive secret or esoteric knowledge.

Q61: The term Satyayameva Jayate of Hindu philosophy which is also called ____?

A. Katha Upanishad

B. Chandogya Upanishad

C. Bhagavad Gita

D. Mundaka Upanishad

"Satyameva Jayate," meaning "Truth alone triumphs," is a phrase from the Mundaka Upanishad. It is often quoted in the context of Indian philosophy and ethics.

Q62: Yama is mentioned in which Upanishads?

A. Katha Upanishad

B. Chandogya Upanishad

C. Aitareya Upanishad

D. Mandukya Upanishad

Yama, the god of death, is prominently featured in the Katha Upanishad, where he engages in philosophical dialogue with the young boy Nachiketa.

Q63: The Upanishad which is entirely in prose and has much philosophical dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is called?

A. Mandukya Upanishad

B. Katha Upanishad

C. Chandogya Upanishad

D. Taittiriya Upanishad

The Katha Upanishad is entirely in prose and presents the dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama, addressing the nature of the soul and life after death.

Q64: ____ is NOT a Vedanga.

A. Shiksha

B. Nirukta

C. Purmina

D. Kalpa

Purmina is not one of the six Vedangas. The Vedangas are Shiksha, Nirukta, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Chhandas, and Jyotisha, which help in the study of the Vedas.

Q65: Subject matter which Manu Smriti deals with is ____?

A. Law

B. Dharma

C. Rituals

D. Ethics

Manu Smriti is an ancient Hindu text that deals with the laws, duties, and conduct of individuals in society. It is often referred to as the "Laws of Manu."

Q66: The language of the Aryan texts was ____?

A. Sanskrit

B. Pali

C. Tamil

D. Prakrit

The language of the Aryan texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and other early Indian scriptures, was Sanskrit.

Q67: The Sage who is said to have spread Aryan culture in South India is ____?

A. Patanjali

B. Agastya

C. Vasishta

D. Vyasa

Sage Agastya is considered one of the great sages of the Vedic period, often associated with spreading Aryan culture to the southern parts of India.

Q68: According to the Puranas, Lord Vishnu took the shape of ____ in order to rescue the earth, which had sunk into the primordial ocean.

A. Matsya

B. Vamana

C. Kurma

D. Varaha

In the Puranic tradition, Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaha, a boar, to rescue the Earth from the ocean. This is one of his ten avatars (Dashavatara).

Q69: What are the stages of the life of man in Aryan society?

A. Brahmacharya - Grihastha - Vanaprastha - Sanyasa

B. Brahmacharya - Rajasuya - Vanaprastha - Sanyasa

C. Brahman - Grihastha - Rajasuya - Sanyasa

D. Brahmacharya - Sanyasa - Vanaprastha - Rajasuya

The four stages (Ashramas) of life in Aryan society are Brahmacharya (student phase), Grihastha (householder phase), Vanaprastha (retirement phase), and Sanyasa (renunciation phase).

Q70: The ancient Indian philosophy by Moksha ____?

A. Is obtained through rituals

B. Is the liberation from worldly suffering

C. Can only be achieved by priests

D. Is through meditation alone

Moksha in ancient Indian philosophy refers to liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara), achieved through self-realization, detachment from worldly desires, and spiritual practices.

Q71: As per ancient India, Kama and Purusharthas or the four aims of life has been used the ____ language for the ancient scriptures.

A. Sanskrit

B. Tamil

C. Pali

D. Prakrit

The concept of the four Purusharthas (Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha) is described in the Sanskrit scriptures. These are the goals of human life in Vedic and later Hindu philosophy.

Q72: Among the different types of Hindu marriages, the one involving the voluntary union of a maiden and her lover on their own ____?

A. Gandharva marriage

B. Brahma marriage

C. Daiva marriage

D. Arsha marriage

Gandharva marriage is a type of marriage in Hinduism where the union is voluntary and based on mutual love, without any formal ritual or parental consent.

Q73: Which marriage was NOT considered legal in the Vedic period?

A. Daiva Vivah

B. Arsha Vivah

C. Gandharva Vivah

D. Brahma Vivah

Gandharva marriage, which involved a voluntary union of a maiden and a lover, was not considered legally valid in the Vedic period, unlike the other forms which were formalized through rituals.

Q74: A wealthy person in the early Vedic period was known as ____?

A. Gomat

B. Vratya

C. Rajan

D. Brahman

A wealthy person in the early Vedic period was known as a "Gomat," referring to someone who owned a large number of cattle, which was considered a sign of wealth.

Q75: Tolakapiyar is a famous ancient grammarian of the ____ language.

A. Tamil

B. Sanskrit

C. Prakrit

D. Pali

Tolakapiyar is one of the earliest known grammarians of the Tamil language. He is credited with compiling the first grammar of Tamil known as "Tolkappiyam."

Q76: The Aryans succeeded in their conflicts with the pre-Aryan because ____?

A. They had iron weapons

B. They used chariots driven by horses

C. They had superior numbers

D. They used elephants in battle

The Aryans succeeded in their conflicts with the pre-Aryans primarily because of their use of chariots, which were drawn by horses, giving them superior mobility and battle tactics.

Q77: The Kama Sutra was originally compiled in the 3rd century by the Indian sage ____?

A. Vatsyayana

B. Patanjali

C. Vyasa

D. Kapila

The Kama Sutra, a well-known text on love, relationships, and social conduct, was written by the Indian sage Vatsyayana in the 3rd century CE.

Q78: Which varna primarily used to do cultivated work in ancient India?

A. Brahmin

B. Vaishya

C. Kshatriya

D. Shudra

The Vaishyas were the varna primarily responsible for trade, commerce, and agriculture. They were involved in cultivation and the economic activities of society.

Q79: Who among the following was associated with astronomy in ancient India?

A. Charaka

B. Chanakya

C. Patanjali

D. Aryabhatta

Aryabhatta was an ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer, known for his contributions to the understanding of planetary motion, the concept of zero, and the calculation of pi.

Q80: In ancient times, the area to the south of the Vedic civilization, known for its strong cultural identity, was ____?

A. Magadha

B. Gandhara

C. Tamilakam

D. Aryavarta

Tamilakam, the area in the southern part of India, was known for its Dravidian culture and language, distinct from the Vedic civilization of the north.

Q81: With reference to the Vedangas, ____ denotes 'Ritual'.

A. Kanada

B. Patanjali

C. Gautam

D. Jaimini

Jaimini is the author of the "Jaimini Sutra," which is the foundation of the Vedanga of Kalpa, a Vedanga related to rituals, ceremonies, and sacrificial practices.

Q82: Who gave the Vedic philosophy?

A. Patanjali

B. Kapila

C. Vyasa

D. Gautama

Kapila is the founder of the Samkhya school of philosophy, which is one of the six orthodox schools of Vedic philosophy and deals with the concepts of dualism and liberation.

Q83: The Samkhya School of Philosophy was founded by ____?

A. Patanjali

B. Panini

C. Vyasa

D. Kapila

Kapila is the founder of the Samkhya school of philosophy, which is based on the idea of the duality of purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (matter).

Q84: During the later Vedic age, in which of the following areas was the plough and horse associated with agriculture?

A. Eastern India

B. Punjab

C. Magadha

D. South India

The use of the plough and the horse was significant during the later Vedic period in areas like Punjab, where agriculture was flourishing, and the Aryans adapted new agricultural tools.

Q85: Which animal was associated with agricultural practices in Vedic India?

A. Horse

B. Elephant

C. Ox

D. Cow

The ox was commonly used in Vedic India for plowing fields and as a draught animal, symbolizing labor and productivity in agriculture.

Q86: According to the 'Chaturashrama' of the Vedic period, which term is related to the period of family life?

A. Brahmacharya

B. Grihastha

C. Vanaprastha

D. Sanyasa

Grihastha refers to the stage of family life in the Vedic "Chaturashrama" system, where an individual is responsible for household duties, marriage, and raising children.

Q87: According to the Brihat Samhita, mouth perfumes, fragrant powders to make scents: ____?

A. Gandhayukti

B. Gandhastuti

C. Gandhabhavan

D. Gandhikarana

Gandhayukti refers to the process of making and using fragrances, perfumes, and scented powders, as described in the Brihat Samhita, an ancient text on various sciences.

Q88: With reference to Hindu mythology, which of the following is NOT a part of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu?

A. Garuda

B. Kurma

C. Varaha

D. Matsya

Garuda is not one of the ten avatars (Dashavatara) of Lord Vishnu. The ten avatars are Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki.

Q89: The term 'Kanndadhyaksha' in ancient India referred to ____?

A. Village elders

B. Tribal chieftains

C. Landless agricultural laborers

D. Merchants

"Kanndadhyaksha" refers to landless agricultural laborers in ancient India, a class that worked on the land but did not own it.

Q90: Elections of the tribal chief were held on ____?

A. Copper coins

B. Stone tablets

C. Wooden tablets

D. Palm leaf

The election of the tribal chief in Vedic times was often decided through written records on palm leaves, which were the prevalent medium for writing in ancient India.

Q91: Which tribal assembly was the normal decision-making body in Vedic society?

A. Sabha

B. Kula

C. Samiti

D. Rajya

The Samiti was the tribal assembly that was responsible for making decisions and conducting affairs of the community in Vedic society.

Q92: Which of the following statements about the 'Gotra' practice in ancient India is true?

A. Women belonging to the same gotra were regarded as descendants of the same person whom the gotra was named after

B. People belonging to the same gotra were regarded as descendants of the person after whom the gotra was named

C. Men belonging to the same gotra were regarded as descendants of the person after whom the gotra was named

D. People belonging to the same gotra were regarded as descendants of the person whom the gotra was named after

In the Vedic period, the "gotra" system referred to the lineage or clan, with people sharing the same gotra regarded as descendants of a common ancestor, typically a sage.

Q93: Which of the following varnas was NOT entitled to study the Upanishads?

A. Brahman

B. Vaishya

C. Kshatriya

D. Shudra

According to the Vedic texts, the Shudras were not entitled to study the Upanishads. Only the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas were traditionally allowed to study and learn the sacred texts.

Q94: The Vedic view of an individual and his relation to the world is determined by four objectives of life. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

A. Dharma

B. Siddhi

C. Artha

D. Kama

The four Purusharthas or objectives of life in Vedic philosophy are Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). Siddhi (attainment) is not one of the Purusharthas.

Q95: Which craftsmanship was not practiced in India?

A. Moksha

B. Dharma

C. King

D. Artha

The concepts of King, Dharma, Moksha, and Artha are part of the Vedic and later Hindu philosophical system, but craftsmanship as a specific practice was not defined as "King." These terms refer to broader principles, not craftsmanship.

Q96: Which of the following is the main source of knowledge about Vedic rituals and sacrifices?

A. Rigveda

B. Yajurveda

C. Atharvaveda

D. Samaveda

The Yajurveda is the Veda primarily concerned with rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices. It contains hymns for use in sacrifices and is a practical guide for performing these rituals.

Q97: The rituals of Vedic India are most elaborately described in ____?

A. Shatapatha Brahmana

B. Rigveda

C. Yajurveda

D. Atharvaveda

The Shatapatha Brahmana elaborates on the rituals and ceremonies associated with Vedic sacrifices and religious practices.

Q98: Which of the following is true regarding the Vedic gods?

A. They were all impersonal and formless

B. They had individual personalities and were worshipped with rituals

C. They represented abstract philosophical concepts

D. They had no significance beyond being cosmic forces

The Vedic gods were personified, with individual characteristics, and were worshipped with specific rituals. They represented various natural elements and cosmic forces but had distinct personalities.

Q99: Which Veda deals extensively with chants and rituals for daily practices?

A. Rigveda

B. Yajurveda

C. Samaveda

D. Atharvaveda

The Yajurveda contains hymns and chants for various rituals, including those for sacrifices and other daily Vedic practices.

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Key Takeaways for Vedic Age MCQs

• Vedic texts are the foundation of knowledge, including the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
• The Vedic society was organized based on the Varna system, and Brahmins played a pivotal role in religious rituals.
• Key events and geographical references, such as the worship of rivers like the Sindhu (Indus), are important.
• Philosophical discussions in the Upanishads introduce key concepts of Brahman, Atman, and Moksha.

The Vedic Age is integral to understanding ancient Indian culture and society. By focusing on the Vedas, rituals, social systems, and philosophy, you’ll be well-prepared for questions on this topic in competitive exams. Stay tuned for more MCQs and exam tips to enhance your preparation.