History of the Vedic Period: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Ancient History)
1 previous year UPSC Prelims question on History of the Vedic Period (Ancient History). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
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UPSC 2011Ancient History · History of the Vedic Period
Q1. The "dharma" and "rita" depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements: 1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one’s duties to oneself and to others. 2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
The concepts of Dharma and Rita were central to the Vedic civilization of India, shaping its moral, social, and cosmic order. Dharma and rita are interconnected, with rita providing the cosmic framework within which dharma operates. Together, they create a moral universe where every action aligns with the natural order. These concepts guide both personal behavior and societal norms, ensuring that individuals act in accordance with the universal laws and maintain harmony in all aspects of life.
Statement 1 is correct: In the Vedic context, dharma refers to the concept of obligations and duties. It is about the righteous conduct and the moral responsibilities one has to oneself and to society.
Statement 2 is correct: Rita is the principle of natural order which regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe and everything within it. It is the cosmic order or the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2011
(c) Both 1 and 2
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on History of the Vedic Period?
This page covers 1 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on History of the Vedic Period (Ancient History), asked from 1995 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for History of the Vedic Period?
Questions on History of the Vedic Period (Ancient History) are available for 8 years, from 1995 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
