Q41. The Upanishadic philosophy marked a shift from:
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 41–50 of 80 questions
Q42. The following question consists of two statements, an Assertion (A) and a Reason (R). Read them carefully and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Assertion (A): The Aranyakas serve as a bridge between the Karma Marga of the Brahmanas and the Jnana Marga of the Upanishads.
Reason (R): They were texts meant to be studied in the forest and focused on the mystical meaning of sacrifices rather than their actual performance.
Assertion (A): The Aranyakas serve as a bridge between the Karma Marga of the Brahmanas and the Jnana Marga of the Upanishads.
Reason (R): They were texts meant to be studied in the forest and focused on the mystical meaning of sacrifices rather than their actual performance.
Explanation
The Aranyakas function as a vital link between the ritual-heavy Brahmanas and the philosophical Upanishads. By shifting the focus from the physical act of sacrifice to its deeper mystical and symbolic significance, they prepared the mind for the abstract inquiries found in later texts. Because they were studied in the seclusion of the forest, they encouraged meditation over external ritual performance.
Q43. In the Later Vedic society, the term "Dvija" (twice-born) referred to:
Explanation
In the Later Vedic social hierarchy, the term Dvija, meaning twice-born, was applied to members of the three upper Varnas: Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas. These groups were eligible for the Upanayana ceremony, which involved the investment of the sacred thread. This ritual was considered a second, spiritual birth, distinguishing these classes from the Shudras, who were excluded from such rites.
Q44. What was the primary cause for the deepening social stratification and the rigidification of the Varna system in the Later Vedic period?
Explanation
Social stratification deepened in the Later Vedic period primarily due to the shift toward a settled agricultural economy. This transition created surplus wealth and allowed for occupational specialization. Concurrently, increasing concerns regarding ritual purity and the monopoly of the priestly class over sacrifices further rigidified the Varna system. These economic and ideological factors combined to transform flexible tribal groups into hereditary classes.
Q45. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the geography of the Early Vedic Aryans.
Explanation
The Early Vedic Aryans were primarily concentrated in the Sapta Sindhu region, which included modern-day Punjab and parts of Afghanistan. While they were familiar with the Himalayas and rivers like the Indus and Saraswati, they had not yet migrated into the Deccan plateau or southern India. Their geographic horizon was limited to the northwest and the upper reaches of the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Q46. Which Early Vedic term was specifically used to describe a guest, literally translating to "one who is fed on cattle"?
Explanation
The term Goghna was used in the Vedic period to refer to a guest. It literally means one for whom a cow is slaughtered, reflecting the importance of cattle in hospitality. This linguistic evidence underscores the central role of livestock in the social and dietary practices of the time. It also highlights the prestige associated with hosting guests in a pastoral society.
Q47. Match List-I with List-II regarding Vedic terms for occupations or relations and their meanings:
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Vedic Terms | Meanings |
|---|---|
| A. Duhitri | i. Barber |
| B. Vapta | ii. Daughter (milker of cows) |
| C. Takshan | iii. Metalsmith |
| D. Karmara | iv. Carpenter |
Explanation
Various Vedic terms provide insight into the social and occupational structure of the period. Duhitri referred to a daughter, likely meaning a milker of cows. Vapta signified a barber, while Takshan denoted a carpenter. Karmara was the term for a metalsmith. These designations show that while the society was pastoral, it also supported a range of specialized artisans and family roles.
Q48. Read the following statements and select the correct option regarding the Early Vedic period:
Statement I: In the Early Vedic period, the king collected a regular and fixed land revenue system from the peasants.
Statement II: The administrative machinery in the Early Vedic period was simple and largely based on tribal kinship.
Statement I: In the Early Vedic period, the king collected a regular and fixed land revenue system from the peasants.
Statement II: The administrative machinery in the Early Vedic period was simple and largely based on tribal kinship.
Explanation
Administrative machinery in the Early Vedic period was relatively simple and primarily based on tribal kinship rather than a bureaucratic state. The king did not collect a fixed land revenue; instead, he relied on voluntary tributes called Bali. A formal taxation system and regular revenue collection only emerged later during the transition to settled agriculture and the rise of territorial kingdoms in Northern India.
Q49. In the Rigveda, the term "Panis" was used to describe which group of people?
Explanation
In the Rigveda, the Panis were a group of people often portrayed as the enemies of the Aryans. They were described as wealthy merchants who hoarded wealth and frequently engaged in cattle lifting. These conflicts over livestock illustrate the economic tensions between different groups in a pastoral society where cattle were the most vital resource and the primary measure of wealth.
Q50. Consider the following statements regarding the Early Vedic period:
I. Society was strictly egalitarian with absolutely no social inequalities.
II. The family structure was patriarchal, with the eldest male acting as the Kulapa.
III. There are references to slavery, primarily domestic slaves, including women.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. Society was strictly egalitarian with absolutely no social inequalities.
II. The family structure was patriarchal, with the eldest male acting as the Kulapa.
III. There are references to slavery, primarily domestic slaves, including women.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Rigvedic society was patriarchal, with the eldest male, known as the Kulapa, leading the family. While it was more egalitarian than later periods, it was not strictly without inequality. Evidence exists for the presence of domestic slaves, particularly women captured during tribal wars. These social features show that while the caste system had not crystallized, hierarchical relationships and dependencies were present.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (c) Karma Marga (path of rituals) to Jnana Marga (path of knowledge) |
| 42 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 43 | (d) Three higher Varnas entitled to the sacred thread ceremony. |
| 44 | (b) Shift to agriculture and notions of ritual purity. |
| 45 | (c) They had extensively settled the entire Deccan plateau and the extreme south of India. |
| 46 | (d) Goghna |
| 47 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 48 | (d) Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct. |
| 49 | (b) Wealthy merchants and cattle lifters in Aryan conflict. |
| 50 | (b) II and III 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.