Vedic Period

Q.1 Which of the following is a Samhita of Shukla Yajurveda? (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018)

(a) Vajasanami (b) Maitrayani (c) Taittiriya (d) Kathak

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. The option “Vajasanami” in the question refers to the Vajasaneyi Samhita (also spelled Vājasaneyī Saṃhitā), which is the principal Samhita of the Shukla (White) Yajurveda.
2. The Yajurveda is traditionally divided into two major branches:

1. Shukla Yajurveda (White Yajurveda): Its Samhita is called the Vajasaneyi Samhita.

2. Krishna Yajurveda (Black Yajurveda): It has several important Samhitas, including:

·  Taittiriya Samhita

·  Maitrayani Samhita

·  Kathaka Samhita

·    Kapisthala-Katha Samhita

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Q.2 Which of the following is the correct order of the Vedic literature? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014)

(a) Vedic Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads

(b) Vedic Samhitas, Upnishads, Aranyakas, Brahmanas

(c) Vedic Samhitas, Aranyakas, Brahmanas, Upnishads

(d) Vedic Samhitas, Vedangas, Aranyakas, Smritis

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. Vedic literature developed through several layers. The broad conventional sequence used in Ancient Indian history is: Samhitas → Brahmanas → Aranyakas → Upanishads
2. Samhitas — earliest layer: Samhita literally means a collection/compilation. The four Vedas have their respective Samhitas:

·  Rigveda Samhita → hymns .The Rigveda Samhita is generally regarded as the oldest Vedic text.

·  Samaveda Samhita → chants/melodies

·  Yajurveda Samhita → sacrificial formulas

·  Atharvaveda Samhita → spells, prayers and everyday concerns

1.  Brahmanas: The Brahmanas are prose texts explaining the meaning, procedures and significance of Vedic sacrifices and rituals. Each Veda has several Brahmanas:
2. Aitareya Brahmana → Rigveda
3. Shatapatha Brahmana → Shukla Yajurveda
4. Taittiriya Brahmana → Krishna Yajurveda
5. Gopatha Brahmana → Atharvaveda.
6. Aranyakas: Aranyakas literally means "forest texts" (aranya = forest). They represent a transition from the external ritual emphasis of the Brahmanas toward symbolic, philosophical and meditative interpretation. They discuss:

·  Ritual symbolism

·  Meditation

·  Sacrificial concepts

·  Philosophical ideas. 

They therefore form an important bridge between Brahmanical ritualism and Upanishadic philosophy.

1. Upanishads: The Upanishads represent the more philosophical layer of Vedic literature. They focus on questions concerning: Brahman, Atman, Ultimate reality, Knowledge, Karma, Rebirth, and Liberation (moksha).

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Q.3 Match the List-I and List-II and choose the correct answer from the code given below: (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012)

  List-I              List-II

(Vedic Rivers)    (Modern Name)

A. Kubha          1. Gandak

B. Parushni         2. Kabul

C. Sadaneera       3. Ravi

D. Shutudri         4. Sutlej

Code:

  A B C D

(a) 1 2 4 3

(b) 2 3 1 4

(c) 3 4 2 1

(d) 4 1 3 2

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1. Kubha is identified with the Kabul River of present-day Afghanistan/Pakistan. It is one of the northwestern rivers mentioned in the Rigveda. The Kabul River ultimately joins the Indus River near Attock in present-day Pakistan.
2. The Vedic Parushni is identified with the modern Ravi River. Parushni is particularly important because the Battle of the Ten Kings (Dasarajna) described in the Rigveda is associated with the Parushni River.
3. The Sadaneera mentioned in Vedic literature is generally identified with the Gandak River. The river is particularly significant in the later Vedic geographical context because it marked the eastern boundary of the region associated with Aryavarta in the Shatapatha Brahmana.
4.  The Vedic Shutudri is identified with the modern Sutlej River. The Shutudri and Vipash are famously mentioned together in Rigveda 3.33 in a hymn in which Vishvamitra addresses the two rivers.

Therefore, option (b) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4 is the correct answer.

Q.4 Who among the following Vedic deities was believed to be their priest ? (U.P.P.C.S. (Main) 2013)

(a) Agni (b) Brihaspati (c) Dyaus (d) Indra

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1. Brihaspati is a prominent Vedic deity associated with priesthood, sacred speech, ritual knowledge and wisdom. He is traditionally regarded as the purohita (priest) of the gods. Purohita literally means “placed in front” and refers to a priest who officiates or advises in rituals. Bṛhaspati is also associated with brahman (sacred utterance/prayer) and priestly authority. 
2. Agni is one of the most important Vedic deities and is central to the sacrificial ritual. He is often described as the messenger/mediator between humans and gods, because offerings are conveyed to the gods through the sacrificial fire. The Rigveda opens with: “Agni…” and praises Agni as the hotṛ (sacrificial priest/invoker) in the ritual context.
3.  Dyaus is the Vedic deity associated with the sky/heaven. He is comparable to the Indo-European concept of a Sky Father.
4. Indra is the most prominent warrior deity of the Rigvedic period. He is one of the most frequently invoked deities in the Rigveda. He is associated with: Thunder, Rain, War, Victory, Destruction of Vritra, and Release of the waters.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.5 An inscription of 14th century B.C. which describes the Vedic Gods has been found in - (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016)

(a) Ecbatana (b) Boghaz-Koi (c) Babylon (d) Bisotun

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1. Boghaz-Koi (modern Boğazkale) is located in present-day Turkey and was the capital of the ancient Hittite Empire, known as Hattusa. A famous Hittite-Mitanni treaty discovered at Boghaz-Koi contains the names of several deities who correspond to important Vedic gods. The treaty is generally dated to the 14th century BCE. The names mentioned include: Mitra, Varuna, Indra, Nasatyas (Ashvins). These names are strikingly similar to major deities known from the Rigvedic tradition.
2. It provides one of the important pieces of extra-Indian evidence for the Indo-Aryan/Vedic religious tradition. The treaty was between the Hittite king Shattiwaza and the Mitanni kingdom, and the deities were invoked as divine witnesses to the treaty.
3. Ecbatana was the ancient capital of the Medes and later an important city under the Achaemenids. It is associated with ancient Iranian/Persian history, but the famous 14th-century BCE inscription mentioning the Vedic deities Mitra, Varuna, Indra and Nasatyas was not found at Ecbatana.
4. Babylon was a major Mesopotamian city in present-day Iraq and is associated with civilizations such as: Babylonians, Hammurabi, Mesopotamian cuneiform tradition
5.  Bisotun (Behistun) is famous for the Behistun Inscription of the Achaemenid king Darius I. It dates to the 6th century BCE, much later than the 14th century BCE.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.6 The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of – (UPSC - 2012)

(a) Bhakti

(b) Image worship and yajnas

(c) Worship of nature and yajnas

(d) Worship of nature and bhakti

Ans. (c)

Exp:

·   The key word is “early Vedic”. The religious practices described in the Rigveda were centred mainly on natural forces/deities and sacrificial rituals (yajnas).

·   Important Rigvedic deities included:

·  Agni — fire

·  Indra — associated with thunder, rain and warfare

·  Surya/Savitr — solar deity

·  Varuna — cosmic order (ṛta) and waters

·  Ushas — dawn

·  Vayu — wind

·  Parjanya — rain

·   People sought the favour of these deities through hymns, prayers and yajnas/sacrifices.

·   In Yajna ghee, milk, grains, and Soma were offered into the sacrificial fire, with Agni acting as the mediator between humans and gods. The purpose was generally to obtain things such as: cattle, sons, prosperity, rain, victory, and long life.

·   Bhakti, as a major devotional religious path, became much more prominent in later Indian religious traditions.

·   Image worship/idol worship was not a defining feature of early Vedic religion. The Rigvedic evidence does not show a developed tradition of worshipping temple images or idols comparable to later Hindu religious practices.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.7 Rig-vedic religion was – (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014)

(a) Polytheistic (b) Monotheistic (c) Monistic (d) Libertarian

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. Polytheism means belief in or worship of multiple deities. The Rigveda contains hymns addressed to numerous deities, each associated with different aspects of nature, society and the cosmic order. Important Rigvedic deities include:

1. The Rigveda dedicates numerous hymns to these different gods.

Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

Q.8 Study the following statements about the Vedic God Indra and select the correct answer from the codes given below: (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017)

1. Was the God of thunder.

2. Punished the sinners.

3. Was the guardian of the moral order.

4. Was the God of rain.

Codes :

(a) 1 and 2 are correct.

(b) 1 and 3 are correct.

(c) 2 and 4 are correct.

(d) 1 and 4 are correct.

Ans. (d)

Exp:

1. Indra is the most prominent warrior deity of the Rigvedic period and is strongly associated with thunder, rain, storms and the destruction of enemies. He is described as wielding the Vajra (thunderbolt). His most famous achievement is the killing of Vritra, the serpent/demon who had withheld the waters. 
2. The concept of punishing sinners is more appropriately associated with Yama in later Vedic/Indian religious thought, particularly his role as of the judge dead.
3. The Vedic concept of ṛta (cosmic/moral order) is particularly associated with Varuna. Varuna is described as the guardian/upholder of ṛta, the cosmic and moral order.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Q.9 Sarga, Pratisarga, Vansa, Manvantara and Vanshanucharita are the indicators of – (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015)

(a) Vedas (b) Puranas (c) Upanishads (d) Sutras

Ans. (b)

Exp:

·   These five are traditionally known as the five characteristics (Pancha-lakshana) of a Purana.

·   A traditional definition of a Purana describes five major subjects:

·   Sarga refers to the creation of the universe. It deals with the origin/creation of the cosmic world and its constituent elements.

·   Pratisarga refers to secondary creation or recreation following cosmic dissolution (pralaya). The Puranic conception of time is cyclical: Creation → Dissolution → Re-creation → Dissolution.

·   Vamsha means lineage or genealogy. Puranas contain genealogical accounts of: Gods, Sages, Ancestors, and Royal families. This is particularly important for understanding Puranic accounts of ancient dynasties.

·   Manvantara literally refers to the period associated with a particular Manu. According to Puranic cosmology, time is divided into successive Manvantaras, each governed by a Manu.

·   Vamshanucharita refers to narratives concerning the dynasties and their rulers. It literally conveys the idea of accounts/narratives of lineages. This includes descriptions of royal dynasties, particularly the Solar (Suryavansha) and Lunar (Chandravamsha) traditions.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.10 The name 'Aghanya' mentioned in many passages of the Rig Veda refers to : (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017)

(a) Priest (b) Women (c) Cows (d) Brahmanas

Ans. (c)

Exp:

·  The Sanskrit term Aghanyā / Aghanyāḥ (अघन्या) literally conveys the sense of “one that should not be killed/slaughtered.” In the Rigvedic context, the term is used for cows. This reflects the considerable importance of cattle in early Vedic society. Cattle were an important form of wealth and economic resources, providing:

·  Milk and dairy products

·  Draught power

·  Social/economic status

·  A major measure of wealth

·  Therefore, the use of a term meaning “not to be killed” for cows indicates that certain cows were regarded as deserving protection.

Q.11 In the early Rigvedic period, what was considered to be the most valuable property? (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015)

(a) Land (b) Cow (c) Women (d) Water

Ans. (b)

Exp:

·   The early Rigvedic society was predominantly pastoral, and cattle constituted the principal form of wealth. The Rigveda contains numerous references to cattle, and go/gau (cow/cattle) is closely associated with wealth and prosperity. Cattle provided:

·  Milk and dairy products

·  Draught/working power

·  Economic wealth

·  Gifts and rewards

·  A source of conflict and cattle-raiding

·   The importance of cattle is also reflected in the use of cattle-related terminology for wealth and conflict.

·   A very important Rigvedic term: Gavishti literally means “search for cows” and is associated with conflict or battle in the Rigvedic context. This tells us how closely cattle and wealth were connected.

Q.12 With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC - 2017)

1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.

2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.

3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1. Statement 1 — Correct: The Rigveda contains references to protective armour such as varman and head protection/helmet (often interpreted as sipra). In contrast, Harappan sites have yielded weapons such as spearheads, axes, daggers and arrowheads, but no clear archaeological evidence of coats of mail or helmets has been found.
2. Statement 2 — Incorrect: Harappans were familiar with copper, bronze, gold and silver, among other materials. Iron was not a characteristic metal of the Mature Harappan Civilization. Hence, the statement that Harappans knew “only copper and iron” is incorrect.
3. Statement 3 — Correct: The horse (ashva) was an important animal in Rigvedic culture and is frequently mentioned in the Rigveda. Although some disputed horse remains have been reported from Harappan sites, there is no conclusive evidence of widespread horse domestication or use by the Harappans.

Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct, and the answer is (c).

Q.13 Consider the following statements about the Rigvedic period: (UPSC - 2026)

I. Irrigation from wells allowed agriculture to expand away from flood plains and strips on river margins into the present Punjab and Haryana plains having underground water levels reasonably close to the surface.

II. Draught-animal power was employed to draw up water out of the wells.

Which of the following information support/supports the above statements?

1. There is evidence in the Rigveda of the use of ashma chakra (stone pulley wheel) and ahava (strapped wooden pails) to draw up water.

2. Mention has been made in the Rigveda of the use of implements like parashu/ kulisha (axe) and datra /sreni (sickle).

3. There is a history of the use of ox, even before the Rigveda, for ploughing the land and pulling the carts.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 3 only

Ans: (c)

Exp:

1. This is an evidence-based inference question. The statements relate to well irrigation and the use of draught-animal power for drawing water.
2. Information 1 — Correct: The Rigveda contains references to wells and devices used to raise water, including aśma-cakra (stone wheel/pulley-like device) and water containers associated with straps. This supports the use of wells for irrigation.
3. Information 2 — Incorrect: References to implements such as paraśu/kuliśa (axe) and datra/śreṇi (sickle) establish knowledge of agricultural tools, but do not directly support well irrigation or animal-powered water lifting.
4. Information 3 — Correct: Evidence of oxen being used for ploughing and pulling carts establishes the use of draught-animal power. This supports the inference that animal power could be employed for drawing water from wells.

Therefore, Information 1 and 3 support the given statements → Option (c).

Q.14 Which of the following pairs of ancient and modern names of rivers is/are correctly matched? (UPSC - 2026)

1. Vitasta : Chenab

2. Asikni : Jhelum

3. Parushni : Ravi

4. Yavyavati: Beas

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4 (c) 3 only (d) 4 only

Ans: (c)

Exp:

1. The question tests the identification of ancient Rigvedic names of rivers with their modern counterparts. Statements 1 and 2 have interchanged the identities of Vitasta and Asikni, while Statement 4 incorrectly identifies Yavyavati with the Beas.
2. Vitasta → Jhelum: The Rigvedic Vitasta is identified with the modern Jhelum River, not the Chenab. The Jhelum flows through the Kashmir region and was known to the Greeks as the Hydaspes.
3. Asikni → Chenab: The Rigvedic Asikni corresponds to the modern Chenab River. The name Asikni is associated with the meaning “dark” or “black.”
4. Parushni → Ravi: The Rigvedic Parushni is identified with the modern Ravi River. It is significant in Vedic history because the Battle of the Ten Kings (Dasarajna) is associated with the Parushni, particularly in Rigveda 7.18, where King Sudas fought a confederation of opposing tribes.
5. Yavyavati ≠ Beas: Yavyavati is a separate river mentioned in the Rigveda, and its precise modern identification is uncertain. It has been associated by some scholars with the Zhob region of present-day Balochistan. The ancient name generally associated with the Beas is Vipāś/Vipāśā, not Yavyavati.

Therefore, only Statement 3 is correctly matched, making option (c) the correct answer.

Q.15 In which one among the following texts does the term kshetra-patni (‘mistress of the field') originate? (UPSC - 2026)

(a) Rigveda (b) Atharvaveda (c) Ashtadhyayi (d) Arthashastra

Ans: (b)

Exp:

·   Kshetra = field/land, Patni = mistress/wife. Thus: Kshetra-patni = Mistress/Lady of the Field. The expression appears in Atharvaveda, in a context associated with the field/agricultural fertility. This is consistent with the Atharvaveda's considerable attention to agriculture, fertility, household concerns, healing, protection and everyday life.

·   The Rigveda contain the agricultural deity Kshetrapati, meaning: Kshetrapati = Lord/Protector of the Field. For example, Rigveda 4.57 contains the famous agricultural hymn associated with Kshetrapati.

·   The Ashtadhyayi is the famous grammatical work of Panini. Its subject is primarily: Sanskrit grammar and linguistic rules It is much later than the Vedic Samhitas and is not the textual source of this Vedic agrarian expression.

·  The Arthashastra, traditionally associated with Kautilya, deals with: Statecraft, Administration, Economy, Taxation, Agriculture, and Land management. It is much later than the Vedic texts. Although it discusses agriculture extensively, Kshetra-patni is not a term originating in the Arthashastra.

Q.16 Consider the following statements:

1. There are no parables in Upanishads.
2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC - 2024)

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: B

Exp:

·  Statement 1 is incorrect because the Upanishads do contain stories, illustrative narratives, dialogues and teaching analogies used to communicate philosophical ideas.

·   Example — Katha Upanishad: The famous Nachiketa–Yama dialogue is presented as a narrative.

·  Statement 2 is correct in the broad chronological sense. The early/principal Upanishads belong to the later Vedic period and are considerably older than the Puranic corpus. The principal early Upanishads include: Brihadaranyaka, Chandogya, Aitareya, Taittiriya, etc.. They developed within the broader Vedic textual tradition. The Puranas, on the other hand, constitute a much later and continuously developing body of literature. Although Puranic traditions contain very old material, the extant Puranas were compiled, expanded and redacted over many centuries, largely in the post-Vedic period.