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 71–80 of 80 questions
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q71. Consider the following statements regarding the Purusha Sukta: I. It is found in the 10th Mandala of the Rigveda. II. It provides the earliest textual reference to the fourfold division of society. III. It explicitly condemns the practice of sacrifices. Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Purusha Sukta, found in the tenth Mandala of the Rigveda, is a foundational text that outlines the divine origin of the four Varnas. While it describes the social hierarchy, it does not condemn the practice of sacrifices. In fact, it portrays the creation of the world as a grand primordial sacrifice, reinforcing the central importance of ritual in the Vedic worldview.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q72. Which of the following religious changes is an exception to the general trends of the Later Vedic period?
Explanation
The Later Vedic period saw major changes in religious practice, including the rise of Prajapati as a creator god and the increasing complexity of animal sacrifices. The power of the Brahmana priests also grew significantly. However, Varuna, who was a major deity and the upholder of cosmic order in the Early Vedic period, saw his importance decline as worship became more ritual-centric.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q73. The texts known as "Brahmanas" primarily consist of:
Explanation
The Brahmanas are prose texts that serve as commentaries on the four Vedas. Their primary purpose is to provide detailed instructions and explanations for the performance of sacrificial rituals. They discuss the symbolic meaning of the hymns and the correct way to conduct ceremonies, reflecting a period where the ritualistic aspect of Vedic religion became highly sophisticated and essential for the community.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q74. Consider the following statements regarding Upanishadic thought: I. It emphasizes that salvation is attained through right knowledge, not rituals. II. It introduces the concept of Maya or illusion. III. It strictly reinforces the performance of Ashvamedha for spiritual liberation. IV. It centers on the profound doctrine of Karma and rebirth. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Upanishadic thought is characterized by its focus on spiritual knowledge rather than external rituals. It introduces profound concepts such as Maya, the nature of reality, and the law of Karma and rebirth. Unlike earlier texts that emphasized sacrifices like the Ashvamedha for worldly gain, the Upanishads teach that ultimate liberation is achieved through the realization of the self and its unity with Brahman.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q75. Which of the following is the odd one out in the context of the Later Vedic Ashrama system?
Explanation
The Ashrama system defines four specific stages of life: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired), and Sanyasa (renunciant). While Moksha, or liberation, is the ultimate goal of human life in Indian philosophy, it is not considered one of the chronological stages or Ashramas themselves. The Ashramas provide the social and spiritual framework through which an individual can eventually strive toward achieving Moksha.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q76. The famous book "The Arctic Home in the Vedas", which uses astronomical calculations to argue for the origin of Aryans, was authored by:
Explanation
Bal Gangadhar Tilak authored the influential book "The Arctic Home in the Vedas." In this work, he used astronomical data and references from the Vedas to argue that the original homeland of the Aryans was the Arctic region. This theory was part of a broader intellectual effort during the colonial period to determine the origins of Indo-Aryan civilization through various scientific lenses.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q77. Identify the correct statement regarding Early Vedic geography.
Explanation
The Rigveda provides several geographic markers of the Sapta Sindhu region. The Aryans were aware of the desert, which they referred to as Dhanv. While they knew the Himalayas, there are no certain references to the Vindhya mountains. Furthermore, the river Sindhu is the most frequently mentioned, highlighting its central role, whereas the Ganga is mentioned only once in the text.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q78. Match List-I with List-II regarding ancient and modern river names in the Afghanistan region:
Ancient River Names in Afghanistan
Modern Names
A. Kubha
i. Gomal
B. Krumu
ii. Kabul
C. Gomati
iii. Swat
D. Suvastu
iv. Kurram
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanation
Rigvedic texts mention several rivers in the Afghanistan region, indicating the westward extent of the Aryan tribes. The Kubha is identified with the modern Kabul river, and the Krumu corresponds to the Kurram. The Gomati is equated with the Gomal, and the Suvastu represents the Swat river. These geographical identifications are crucial for understanding the migratory routes and early settlements of the Aryans.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q79. Read the following statements and select the correct option regarding the Vedic diet and customs: Statement I: The Rigvedic diet primarily consisted of milk, ghee, vegetables, and meat, while fish was rarely consumed. Statement II: Soma was a highly regarded ritual drink, whereas Sura was often condemned as a cause of intoxicating ruin.
Explanation
The Vedic diet was diverse, consisting of dairy products like milk and ghee, along with vegetables and various meats. While fish consumption was rare, the ritual use of drinks was significant. Soma was highly esteemed and used in sacred ceremonies, whereas Sura was generally regarded with disapproval due to its intoxicating effects. These dietary habits reflect both the pastoral lifestyle and the community’s ethical values.
RAS PrelimsAncient Indian History · Vedic Age
Q80. Consider the following comprehensive statements regarding the Vedic Age: I. The Early Vedic period was semi-nomadic, while the Later Vedic period saw the rise of settled territorial states. II. The Rigveda was the only Veda composed during the Early Vedic period. III. The social status of the Shudras improved significantly in the Later Vedic period. IV. Women lost their right to the Upanayana ceremony in the Later Vedic period. V. Iron technology was completely unknown throughout both the Early and Later Vedic periods. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Vedic age evolved from a semi-nomadic society to one characterized by settled territorial states. The Rigveda was the primary text of the early period, while other Vedas followed. During the later phase, women lost their right to the Upanayana ceremony. However, Shudra status generally declined, and iron technology, though absent early on, became central to the expansion and development of the Later Vedic society.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
71
(b) III only
72
(a) The importance of Varuna as the upholder of cosmic order significantly increased.
73
(c) Prose explanations of sacrificial rituals and hymns.
74
(c) I, II and IV only
75
(d) Moksha
76
(b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
77
(c) The desert is mentioned in the Rigveda as "Dhanv".
78
(d) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii
79
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
80
(a) I, II and IV 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.
