Q31. Which of the following best describes the "Aranyakas"?
Vedic Age: RAS Prelims MCQs
80 RAS Prelims MCQs on the Vedic Age cover the Early and Later Vedic periods. The homeland theories, the Boghazkoi inscription, the Vedic assemblies, economic terms, the spread of iron and Painted Grey Ware, the Vedas and the Upanishads are all tested, and the explanations separate what belongs to each period.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 31–40 of 80 questions
Q32. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Rigvedic society.
Explanation
Rigvedic society was organized around tribal and kinship lines but was not characterized by the rigid, hereditary caste system that emerged later. Social divisions were fluid and primarily based on occupation or color. There is no evidence for the practice of untouchability during this early phase. Life revolved around patriarchal families, and the community enjoyed pastimes like dicing and chariot racing.
Q33. Consider the following statements about the Yajurveda:
I. It is a ritual Veda containing formulas to be recited by the Adhvaryu priest.
II. It is divided into the Shukla (White) and Krishna (Black) Yajurveda.
III. It contains the earliest references to the doctrine of transmigration of souls.
IV. The Shatapatha Brahmana is attached to the Shukla Yajurveda.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. It is a ritual Veda containing formulas to be recited by the Adhvaryu priest.
II. It is divided into the Shukla (White) and Krishna (Black) Yajurveda.
III. It contains the earliest references to the doctrine of transmigration of souls.
IV. The Shatapatha Brahmana is attached to the Shukla Yajurveda.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Yajurveda is a ritualistic Veda containing formulas used by the Adhvaryu priest. It is divided into two parts: the Shukla or White Yajurveda and the Krishna or Black Yajurveda. The Shatapatha Brahmana, a significant prose text, is attached to the Shukla Yajurveda. While it details rituals, the specific doctrine of transmigration of souls is more characteristic of later Upanishadic philosophy.
Q34. The legend of Videgha Madhava, which symbolically narrates the Aryan expansion towards the east (Videha region), is found in which ancient text?
Explanation
The legend of Videgha Madhava is recorded in the Shatapatha Brahmana. It describes the eastward movement of the Aryans, led by the king and his priest, following the path of the sacrificial fire. This narrative serves as a symbolic representation of the spread of Vedic culture and the clearing of land for agriculture as the community moved into the Videha region.
Q35. In Later Vedic administration, the "Ratnins" were:
Explanation
In the Later Vedic period, the administrative structure became more complex with the appointment of high-ranking officials known as Ratnins, or jewel-bearers. These individuals included members of the royal family, priests, and military leaders who assisted the king in governance and ritual ceremonies. Their involvement in the royal consecration highlights their political importance and the growing sophistication of the state.
Q36. Match List-I with List-II regarding Vedic sacrifices and their purposes:
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Vedic Sacrifices | Their Purpose |
|---|---|
| A. Rajasuya | i. Chariot race to establish the king’s supremacy over his kinsmen |
| B. Ashvamedha | ii. Royal consecration ceremony conferring supreme power |
| C. Vajapeya | iii. Horse sacrifice to assert unquestioned territorial sovereignty |
| D. Agnishtoma | iv. Sacrifice dedicated to Agni involving the drinking of Soma |
Explanation
Later Vedic kings performed elaborate sacrifices to legitimize and enhance their power. The Rajasuya was a consecration ceremony, while the Ashvamedha involved a horse sacrifice to assert territorial sovereignty. The Vajapeya featured a chariot race to demonstrate the king’s physical prowess and superiority. Lastly, the Agnishtoma was a soma sacrifice dedicated to Agni, serving both spiritual and ritual functions for the community.
Q37. Which of the following is an exception to the economic developments of the Later Vedic period?
Explanation
During the Later Vedic period, the economy transitioned toward settled agriculture and diverse crafts. While items like Nishka and Satamana were used as units of value, the widespread use of standardized, state-issued metallic coins had not yet occurred. Most transactions were still conducted through barter or through the exchange of cattle and specific metal weights, with formal coinage appearing only later.
Q38. The term "Gotra" originally meant:
Explanation
The term Gotra originally referred to the common cattle enclosure where the livestock of an entire clan were kept. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify a group of people descending from a common male ancestor. This shift from a physical location to a lineage-based social unit highlights the transition from shared pastoral assets to a more structured kinship organization.
Q39. Identify the correct pair among the following regarding the Early Vedic deities:
Explanation
Early Vedic mythology featured various goddesses representing natural and abstract concepts. Aditi was venerated as the goddess of eternity and the mother of the gods. Other deities included Usha, the goddess of dawn, and Aranyani, the goddess of the forest. Understanding these divine figures provides insight into the spiritual world of the Rigvedic people and their personification of the universe.
Q40. Consider the following statements about the Vedas:
I. The Rigveda is divided into 10 Mandalas.
II. The 10th Mandala contains the Purusha Sukta, which outlines the fourfold Varna system.
III. The 3rd Mandala contains the Gayatri Mantra, addressed to Savitri.
IV. The Atharvaveda deals heavily with magic spells, charms, and primitive medicine.
V. The Samaveda provides intricate details on statecraft and polity.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
I. The Rigveda is divided into 10 Mandalas.
II. The 10th Mandala contains the Purusha Sukta, which outlines the fourfold Varna system.
III. The 3rd Mandala contains the Gayatri Mantra, addressed to Savitri.
IV. The Atharvaveda deals heavily with magic spells, charms, and primitive medicine.
V. The Samaveda provides intricate details on statecraft and polity.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Rigveda is divided into ten Mandalas, with the tenth containing the Purusha Sukta and the third the Gayatri Mantra. The Atharvaveda focuses on charms and medicine. However, the Samaveda is a collection of musical chants for sacrifices, not a text on statecraft. It is the Arthashastra, composed much later, that provides detailed information on ancient Indian polity and administration.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | (a) Forest books containing mystical and philosophical teachings for hermits. |
| 32 | (b) Society was distinctly divided into rigid, untouchable castes. |
| 33 | (b) I, II and IV only |
| 34 | (a) Shatapatha Brahmana |
| 35 | (c) High state officials and dignitaries who assisted the king |
| 36 | (d) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv |
| 37 | (c) The widespread use of standardized, state- issued metallic coins |
| 38 | (b) The place where cattle belonging to the whole clan were kept. |
| 39 | (d) Aditi - The goddess of eternity and mother of the gods. |
| 40 | (c) V only |
Key facts from Vedic Age
- Max Muller proposed the Central Asian homeland theory; Dayananda Saraswati placed the original home of the Aryans in Tibet.
- The Boghazkoi inscription from Turkey mentions Vedic gods such as Indra, Varuna, Mitra and the Nasatyas.
- Vidatha was the oldest Vedic assembly.
- Nishka was a gold ornament or unit of value; Gavishti, meaning a search for cows, denoted tribal conflict.
- Painted Grey Ware is associated with the Later Vedic period, and iron (Krishnayas) helped clear forests for farming.
- In the Later Vedic period Bali became a compulsory tax, the varna system became hereditary and Prajapati rose to the position of creator.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Vedic Age?
This page has 80 practice MCQs on Vedic Age (Ancient Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which Veda is a collection of melodies?
The Samaveda. It is a collection of melodies and chants sung during sacrifices, and many of its verses are taken from the Rigveda and set to music. The Upanishads, by contrast, teach the unity of Atman and Brahman.
What does the Boghazkoi inscription show?
The Boghazkoi inscription, found in Turkey, mentions the Vedic gods Indra, Varuna, Mitra and the Nasatyas. It is cited as evidence of early links between the Indo-Aryans and West Asia and of the antiquity of the Vedic gods.
Which archaeological culture is linked with the Later Vedic period?
Painted Grey Ware (PGW). It is found in the upper Ganga basin and Haryana, and it goes with the spread of iron tools, settled agriculture and the rise of territorial kingdoms in the Later Vedic period.