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Ancient History MCQs – 3 (Vedic Literature)

Vedic Literature MCQs with answers and explanations for preparation of UPSC, State PSCs and other Examinations

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1. Which among the following metals is frequently mentioned in the Vedas ?

A. Iron

B. Copper

C. Gold

D. Silver

Correct Answer – (a) Iron

  •  Iron is frequently referred to in the Vedas and due to its importance, this period is also called the iron age.
  • The adoption of Iron coincided with other changes in society, including differing agricultural practices, religious beliefs and artistic styles.
  • The Chalcolithic age was followed by the Iron Age.

2. Who among the following was the author of books ‘The Arctic Home in the Vedas’ ?

A. Raja Ram Mohan Roy
B. Swami Dayanand Saraswati
C. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
D. Mahatma Gandhi

Correct Answer – C (Bal Gangadhar Tilak)

  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1903, wrote the book ‘The Arctic Home in the Vedas’ in which he argued that the Vedas could only have been composed in the Arctics, and the Aryans brought them to the south after the onset of the last ice age.
  • With this book, He proposed a new way to determine the origin of Aryans and exact time of the Vedas.

3. The Vedic literature is mainly classified into two categories – Shruti and Smriti. What is the difference between them?

1. Shruti is considered eternal whereas Smriti is subject to change.
2. Smriti philosophy stands in direct opposition to Shruti philosophy.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. None of the above

Correct Answer – A ( 1 Only).

  • Shruti literally means “that which has been heard” . 
  • It is the collection of  most sacred texts comprising the central canon of Hinduism eg. Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, & Upanishads. 
  • It contains unquestionable truth and is considered eternal.
  • Smriti literally means “that which is remembered”.  
  • It is an entire body of the post Vedic classical Sanskrit literature which comprises Vedanga, Shad darshana, Puranas, Itihasa, Up-Vedas and Epics.

4. The basic material/mantras of each of the Vedas is called ?

A. Puranas
B. Brahmanas
C. Aranyakas
D. Samhita

Correct Answer – D ( Samhita).

  • Samhita literally means “union/collection/combination of text or verses”.
  • Samhita refers to the most ancient layer of Vedic text comprising mantras, hymns, and prayers.

5. A whole separate Mandala in Rig-Veda is dedicated to who among the following ?

A. Agni
B. Soma
C. Varuna
D. Indra

Correct Answer – B ( Soma).

  • Soma was the intoxicating drink used in Vedic times.
  • Aryans were so much addicted to this drink, that Soma was worshiped as a deity.
  • Entire 9th Mandal of Rigveda ( which contains 114 hymns) is dedicated to this deity.
  • This mandala is also known as Soma mandala.

6. Consider the following statements:

1. Aitareya Brahmana was part of Rigveda.
2. Satapatha Brahmana was part of Atharvaveda.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 & 2
D. None of the above

Correct Answer – A ( 1 Only).

  • Aitareya Brahmana was part of Rigveda.
  • Satapatha Brahmana was part of Yajurveda. 
  • Yajurveda is the book of sacrificial prayers. It contains the rituals to be performed during Yajnas.

7. Which Veda contains the famous Gayatri Mantra ?

A. Rig Veda
B. Yajurveda
C. Sama Veda
D. Atharva Veda

Correct Answer – A ( Rig Veda ).

  • Third Mandala of Rig Veda contains the famous Gayatri Mantra which was compiled in the praise of sun god Savitri.

8. Consider the following statements about Atharva Veda :

1. It describes the early traditions of magic and cure of diseases.
2. There is no Aranyaka attached to the Atharva veda.

Select the correct code among the following :

A. 1 only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 & 2
D. None of the above

Correct Answer – C ( Both 1 & 2 ).

  • Atharvaveda describes the early traditions of magic and cure of diseases. It is also called the Veda of magical formulas.
  • There is no Aranyaka attached to the Atharva veda.
  • Aranyakas are a collection of Vedic literature that are considered to be a link between the Vedas and Upanishads. 
  • They are also known as forest books which contain information about birth and death cycles.

9. Consider the following statements:

1. Samkhya philosophy was Founded by Kapila.
2. Vaisheshika Philosophy was propounded by Maharishi Kanad.

Select the correct answer using the codes below :

A. 1 only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 & 2
D. None of the above

Correct Answer – C ( Both 1 & 2 )

  • There are six Orthodox Schools of Indian Philosophy:
    • Samkhya – Founded by Kapila
    • Yoga – Founded by Patanjali
    • Nyaya  – Founded by Gautama Muni
    • Vaisheshika  – Founded by Kanada
    • Purva Mimamsa – Founded by Jaimini
    • Vedanta(Uttara Mimamsa) – Separated into six sub-schools of Vedanta philosophy
  • Samkhya – It represents a dualistic system in which the two distinct principles of purusha (self, spirit) and Prakriti (matter) dominate. 
  • Founded by sage Kapila, Samkhya is the most ancient of six schools of Indian Philosophy. 
  • This school denies the “existence of God” and advocates that there are two realities Purusha and Prakriti.
  • Vaisheshika – Founder of this school of Philosophy was Maharishi Kanad. It propounded that all objects of the whole universe are reducible to a finite number of atoms. 
  • This school deals in detail with Matter and metaphysics.

10. Origin of Indian classical music can be traced to which veda ?

A. Rig Veda
B. Yajurveda
C. Sama Veda
D. Atharva Veda

Correct Answer – C ( Sama Veda ).

  • Sama Veda is called the book of music and chants.
  • It sets the hymns of Rigveda into rhythm. The origin of Indian classical music can be traced to Sama Veda .
  • It contains a total of 1549 hymns.

11. Which among the following are also known as Vedanta ?

A. Upanishads
B. Purana
C. Up-vedas
D. Epics

Correct Answer – A ( Upanishads ).

  • Upanishads are considered the last layer of Vedic literature therefore they are also called Vedanta. 
  • Their subject matter is Philosophical and they mainly deal with matters like Atman( soul/Self), Brahman ( Ultimate reality ), rebirth etc.
  • There are a total 108 Upanishads. Some of the important Upanishads are – Chandogya Upanishads, Brihadaranyaka Upanishads, Katha Upanishads, Mundaka Upanishads etc.
  • The latest Upnishad is Muktika Upnishad which was recorded by Dara Shikoh whereas the oldest Upnishad is Vrihadaranyaka Upnishad.

12. Which of the following Vedic deities is not mentioned in the Boghazkoi inscription?

A. Indra
B. Agni
C. Mitra
D. Varun

Correct Answer – B (Agni)   

  • The Vedic deities Agni is not mentioned in the Boghazkoi inscription. 
  • Four Vedic deities, i.e. Indra, Mitra, Varuna and Nasatya were mentioned in the Boghazkoi inscription(found in Turkey).

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