About the Topic: Early Vedic Period is an important topic of Ancient Indian History covering the arrival of the Aryans, Rigvedic society, political institutions, economy, religion and cultural life. Practice Early Vedic Period MCQ Questions with answers and detailed explanations for UPSC, IAS and other competitive examinations.
Correct Answer:
(B) Rig Veda
In Indian literature, Vedas are the most ancient scriptures which are four in numbers, namely Rig Veda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda. Rig Veda is the most important and oldest among all these. The Rig Veda is an ancient collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns. It consists of thousands of such hymns of several seers, each hymn averaging around ten verses. It is one of the four canonicals sacred texts (Shruti) of Hinduism known as ‘Vedas.’
Ques: 2
In which Vedic text the term ‘Varna’ is found referred for the first time?
Correct Answer:
(A) Rig Veda
The 'Varnas' have been known from Rig Veda since a hymn in the Rig Veda portrays the Brahmin (Priest), the Kshatriya (noble), the Vaishya (commoner) and the Shudra (servant) issued forth at creation from the mouth, arms, thighs and the feet of the primeval person (Purusha). Although the literal meaning of the word Varna is colour or class (in Sanskrit).
Ques: 3
Which Mandala of Rig Veda is completely dedicated to ‘Soma’?
Correct Answer:
(C) Ninth Mandala
Rig Veda is the oldest Veda. It comprises of 10 Mandals. The 9th Mandal of Rig Veda comprises 114 mantras dedicated to ‘Soma.’
Ques: 4
The river mentioned most in early Vedic literature is :
Correct Answer:
(A) Sindhu
Sindhu river (Indus River) was the most important river during the Vedic period; that is why it was mentioned most of the times in the Rig Veda. Sindhu river due to its economic importance was called as ‘Hiranyani’ and its place of termination referred to as ‘Peravat’ which means ‘Arabian Sea.’ Saraswati river was the most pious river of Rigvedic Aryans and called as “Naditama’’.
Ques: 5
Which of the following rivers mentioned in the Rig Veda indicates the relations of Aryans with Afghanistan?
Correct Answer:
(C) Kubha, Kramu
Rivers mentioned in the Rig Veda namely Kubha (Kabul), Kramu (Kurram), Gomti (Gomal) and Suvastu (Swat) were flowing through Afghanistan which indicates that there were deep relations of Aryans with the country.
Ques: 6
Who among the following is regarded as War-God in the Rig Veda ?
Correct Answer:
(B) Indra
In the Rig Veda, a maximum number of hymns are devoted to the God ‘Indra’. He was the Storm-God and referred to as the Sky-God and the God of War. The Vedas describe Indra as the God who wields the thunderbolt.