The Vedic period, spanning from approximately 1500 BCE to 500 BCE, marks a crucial epoch in the ancient history of the Indian subcontinent, characterized by the composition of the Vedas, the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism. This era witnessed the emergence and consolidation of Vedic culture, which laid the foundation for many aspects of Indian civilization. The Rigveda, the oldest among the Vedas, provides invaluable insights into the socio-cultural, religious, and philosophical milieu of ancient India. The Vedic people, known as Aryans, were predominantly pastoral and agrarian communities whose livelihoods revolved around cattle rearing, agriculture, and trade. Their society was structured around a complex system of rituals, customs, and social hierarchy, as reflected in the Vedic texts. Through rigorous examination and analysis of UPSC Prelims Topic Wise Questions pertaining to Ancient History, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of the rich tapestry of Vedic culture and its enduring legacy in Indian civilization.
Q1. Who among the following was a Brahmavadini who composed some hymns of the Vedas? (1995)
(a) Lopamudra
(b) Gargi
(c) Lilavati
(d) Savitri
Ans. (a)
Lopamudra, recognized as a Brahmavadini, was among those esteemed women who expounded the Vedas by composing hymns. Notable figures like Lopamudra, Vishwawara, Sikta, Nivavari, and Chosida emerged during the Rigvedic era as prominent Brahmavadinis. Gargi, another significant female figure, is noted in the Upanishads. Lilavati, the daughter of the renowned 12th-century Indian mathematician Bhaskara-II, holds significance in mathematical history. Savitri, often associated with Gayatri and regarded as the mother of the Vedas, is believed to be the daughter of the Sun.
Q2. The term ‘Yavanapriya’ mentioned in Sanskrit texts denoted (1995)
(a) a fine variety of Indian Muslim
(b) ivory
(c) damsels sent to the Greek court for dance performance
(d) pepper
Ans. (d)
In Sanskrit texts, the term ‘Yavanapriya’ was used to refer to pepper. During ancient times, the inhabitants of Central Asia were known as ‘Yavanas’ in India. These individuals had a fondness for pepper and imported substantial quantities of it from India. Consequently, pepper came to be known as ‘Yavanapriya’, indicating its popularity among the Yavanas.
Q3. According to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas the sequential order of the cycle of four aeons (yugas) is (1996)
(a) Dvapara, Krita, Treta and Kali
(b) Krita, Dvapara, Treta and Kali
(c) Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali
(d) Treta, Dvapara, Kali and Krita
Ans. (c)
Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali represent the accurate chronological sequence of the four aeons (yugas) in accordance with ancient Indian cosmogonic concepts. A full cycle of Yugas commences with Satyuga, progresses through Treta Yuga and Dvapara Yuga, culminating in Kali Yuga.
Q4. The river most mentioned in early vedic literature is (1996)
(a) Sindhu
(b) Sutudri
(c) Saraswati
(d) Ganga
Ans. (a)
The Sindhu River, also known as the Indus River, holds significant prominence in the early Vedic literature, particularly in the Rigveda. However, the most prominently mentioned river in the Rigveda is the Saraswati, followed closely by the Indus. The Rigveda describes the Saraswati River as flowing between the Yamuna to the east and the Sutlej River to the west. While the Ganga is also referenced in Rigvedic texts, it appears only once. Additionally, early Vedic literature refers to the Sutlej River as the Sutudri.
Q5. The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the (1997)
(a) Chandogyopanishad
(b) Mundakopanishad
(c) Kathopanishad
(d) Kenopanishadato
Ans. (c)
The renowned discourse between Nachiketa and Yama, the Lord of Death, regarding the nature of death and the journey of the soul, finds its place in the Kathopanishad. This Upanishad, a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts, encapsulates fundamental philosophical concepts integral to Hinduism, with resonances in Buddhism and Jainism. Kathopanishad, nestled within the concluding eight sections of the Katha School of the Krishna Yajurveda, holds significance as the third scripture in the Muktika canon of 108 Upanishads.
Meanwhile, the Chandogyopanishad, among the oldest Upanishads, forms part of the Chandogya Brahmana within the Samaveda. On the other hand, the Mundakopanishad, embedded within the Atharvaveda, stands as one of the most extensively translated Upanishads.
Similarly, the Kenopanishad, a primary scripture, is situated in the final section of the Talavakara Brahmana within the Samaveda. Together, these Upanishads serve as foundational texts, elucidating profound spiritual and philosophical inquiries that have shaped the tapestry of Indian thought for centuries.
Q6. The term ‘Aryan’ denotes (1999)
(a) an ethnic group
(b) a nomadic people
(c) a speech group
(d) a superior race
Ans. (c)
The term ‘Aryan’ originally refers to a linguistic classification representing a speech group of Indo-European descent. Initially attributed to a community presumed to speak an early form of Indo-European language, they were believed to have migrated and settled in ancient Iran and the northern Indian subcontinent during prehistoric eras. During the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, the concept of the Aryan race emerged as a racial classification.
Q7. Which one of the following four Vedas contains an account of magical charms and spells? (1999)
(a) Rigveda
(b) Yajurveda
(c) Atharvaveda
(d) Samaveda
Ans. (c)
The Atharvaveda is a compendium of mystical enchantments and magical spells, encompassing a treasury of incantations, epithet charms, and speculative hymns.
Rigveda stands as one of the ancient texts composed in the Sanskrit language, brimming with hymns dedicated to venerating Vedic deities such as Agni, the Fire God, Indra, the Lord of Heaven, Varuna, the Water God, and more.
Yajurveda serves as a repository of rituals associated with the Yajna, featuring a compilation of Sanskrit mantras and verses utilized in Hindu worship and ceremonial practices.
Samaveda embodies the essence of spiritual wisdom and the fervor of devotion, serving as the veda of melodious tunes and sacred chants.
Q8. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of (2011)
(a) bhakti
(b) image worship and yajnas
(c) worship of nature and yajnas
(d) worship of nature and bhakti
Ans. (c)
The early Vedic Aryans centered their religious practices around the reverence of nature and the performance of yajnas. They held sacred the worship of natural phenomena like the Sun, trees, fire, wind, dawn, water, rain, and Earth. Additionally, they placed significant emphasis on the Doctrine of Karma, valuing the consequences of one’s actions deeply.
Q9. The ‘Dharma’ and ‘Rita’ depict a central idea of ancient Vedic Civilisation of India. In this context, consider the following statements. (2012)
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?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (c)
In the context of ancient Vedic Civilization of India, both statements (1) and (2) accurately portray the significance of ‘Dharma’ and ‘Rita’.
‘Dharma’ represents the understanding of one’s obligations and the fulfillment of duties towards oneself and others. It is perceived as the pathway of actions that, if followed, promises both physical and spiritual prosperity in the world.
On the other hand, ‘Rita’ symbolizes the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all its constituents. In Vedic tradition, the concept of ‘Rita’ gave rise to the Doctrine of Dharma (Duty) and Karma (Action). It embodies the physical order of the universe, the structure of sacrifice, and the moral law governing the world.
Q10. The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from (2014)
(a) Katho Upanishad
(b) Chandogya Upanishad
(c) Aitareya Upanishad
(d) Mundaka Upanishad
Ans. (d)
The national motto of India, “Satyameva Jayate,” etched beneath the Emblem of India, originates from the Mundaka Upanishad. This Upanishad, comprised of 64 verses written in the poetic form of mantras, is rendered in the Devanagari Script. It holds the esteemed position of being the fifth scripture in the Muktika canon.
FAQs on UPSC Prelims Topic Wise Questions – Ancient History – Vedic Culture
1. What is the significance of the Rigvedic period in Indian history?
- The Rigvedic period marks the beginning of the Vedic age in Indian history, characterized by the composition of the Rigveda, the oldest known scripture in the world. It provides insights into the socio-cultural, religious, and linguistic aspects of ancient Indian society, laying the foundation for subsequent Vedic texts and cultural developments.
2. How did the Vedic society function economically during the Rigvedic period?
- The economy during the Rigvedic period was primarily pastoral and agrarian. Cattle rearing and agriculture were the main economic activities. Society was organized along tribal lines, and the concept of ‘Grama’ or village played a crucial role in economic activities. Barter system prevailed, and there were early forms of trade and commerce evidenced by references to ‘Sreni’ (guilds) in Rigvedic hymns.
3. What were the major gods worshipped during the Vedic period?
- During the Vedic period, various deities were worshipped, with Agni, the god of fire, Indra, the god of thunder and rain, and Surya, the sun god, being the most prominent. Other important deities included Varuna, Mitra, Rudra, and Vishnu. Sacrificial rituals, known as Yajnas, played a significant role in Vedic religion, with offerings made to appease these gods.
4. How did the social structure evolve during the Vedic period?
- The Vedic society was initially semi-nomadic and tribal, but it gradually evolved into a more settled agricultural society. Society was divided into four varnas or classes – Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (farmers, traders, and merchants), and Shudras (manual laborers). This division laid the foundation of the caste system, which became more rigid in subsequent periods.
5. What are the key features of Vedic literature other than the Rigveda?
- Apart from the Rigveda, other Vedic texts include the Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, collectively known as the Vedas. These texts contain hymns, rituals, and philosophical discussions. The Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads are also important Vedic texts that provide insights into rituals, mysticism, and philosophical inquiries. The Vedic literature reflects the intellectual and spiritual pursuits of ancient Indian society during this period.
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