Early Vedic Period (Rigvedic, c.1500–1000 BCE)
1. The Vedic civilization is associated with the arrival of?
A) Aryans
B) Dravidians
C) Greeks
D) Persians
Answer: A) Aryans
Explanation: Aryans migrated into north-west India around 1500 BCE and composed the Vedas.
2. The Rigveda was composed in the region of?
A) Punjab and Haryana
B) Ganga plains
C) Deccan plateau
D) Bengal delta
Answer: A) Punjab and Haryana
Explanation: Called Sapta-Sindhu (land of seven rivers).
3. The Rigveda contains how many hymns?
A) 1024
B) 1017
C) 1028
D) 1031
Answer: C) 1028
Explanation: Divided into 10 mandalas, hymns dedicated to various deities.
4. The language of the Vedas was?
A) Prakrit
B) Classical Sanskrit
C) Vedic Sanskrit
D) Pali
Answer: C) Vedic Sanskrit
Explanation: More archaic than Panini’s classical Sanskrit.
5. The chief deity of the Rigveda was?
A) Indra
B) Varuna
C) Agni
D) Surya
Answer: A) Indra
Explanation: Known as Purandara (destroyer of forts).
6. The fire god in Rigveda is?
A) Surya
B) Agni
C) Varuna
D) Yama
Answer: B) Agni
Explanation: Considered the messenger between men and gods.
7. Varuna in Rigveda was associated with?
A) War
B) Justice and cosmic order (Rita)
C) Agriculture
D) Wealth
Answer: B) Justice and cosmic order (Rita)
Explanation: Varuna maintained moral and universal order.
8. The Soma plant mentioned in Rigveda was used for?
A) Building temples
B) Sacrificial rituals (drink)
C) Currency
D) Healing wounds only
Answer: B) Sacrificial rituals (drink)
Explanation: Soma juice was offered to gods, also consumed by priests.
9. The Rigvedic economy was primarily?
A) Pastoral and cattle-based
B) Agricultural only
C) Trade-based
D) Industrial
Answer: A) Pastoral and cattle-based
Explanation: Cattle were measure of wealth. Agriculture gradually developed.
10. The Rigvedic assembly of common people was called?
A) Sabha
B) Samiti
C) Gana
D) Parishad
Answer: B) Samiti
Explanation: Samiti represented general tribal assembly, Sabha was council of elders.
Political Life (Early Vedic)
11. The Rigvedic polity was based on?
A) Kingdoms
B) Tribes (Janas)
C) Empires
D) City-states
Answer: B) Tribes (Janas)
Explanation: Political units were family (kula), clan (vish), tribe (jana).
12. The king in Rigvedic age was called?
A) Samrat
B) Rajan
C) Chakravarti
D) Maharaja
Answer: B) Rajan
Explanation: Tribal chief, not an absolute monarch.
13. The protector of people in Rigveda was called?
A) Gopati
B) Vispati
C) Jana-pati
D) All of these
Answer: D) All of these
Explanation: King was guardian of people and cattle.
14. Taxes in Rigvedic period were called?
A) Bali
B) Kara
C) Bhaga
D) Shulka
Answer: A) Bali
Explanation: Voluntary offering by people to the king.
15. Rigvedic kings were assisted by two assemblies:
A) Sabha and Parishad
B) Sabha and Samiti
C) Parishad and Gana
D) Mahasabha and Gana
Answer: B) Sabha and Samiti
Explanation: Sabha = council of elders, Samiti = general assembly.
Later Vedic Period (c.1000–600 BCE)
16. Later Vedic texts include?
A) Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda, Brahmanas
B) Rigveda only
C) Upanishads alone
D) None
Answer: A) Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda, Brahmanas
Explanation: They deal with rituals, sacrifices, and priestly elaborations.
17. The Later Vedic period saw expansion into?
A) Punjab
B) Gangetic plains
C) Deccan plateau
D) Kashmir
Answer: B) Gangetic plains
Explanation: Agriculture-based economy developed in Ganga-Yamuna valley.
18. The Later Vedic polity was characterized by?
A) Tribal republics
B) Territorial kingdoms
C) City-states
D) Empires
Answer: B) Territorial kingdoms
Explanation: Shift from Jana (tribe) to Janapada (territory).
19. The term Rashtra in Later Vedic texts meant?
A) King’s palace
B) Army
C) Territory/kingdom
D) People
Answer: C) Territory/kingdom
Explanation: Concept of territorial state emerged.
20. The king in Later Vedic period became?
A) Tribal chief
B) Powerful monarch with divine sanction
C) Slave of nobles
D) Republican head
Answer: B) Powerful monarch with divine sanction
Explanation: Sacrifices like Rajasuya, Ashvamedha enhanced his authority.
Society & Economy
21. Varna system originated in?
A) Rigvedic age
B) Later Vedic age
C) Mauryan age
D) Gupta age
Answer: A) Rigvedic age (but flexible)
Explanation: 4 varnas mentioned (Purusha Sukta), later became rigid.
22. In Later Vedic age, Varna system became?
A) Less rigid
B) More rigid and hereditary
C) Abolished
D) Non-existent
Answer: B) More rigid and hereditary
Explanation: Brahmins and Kshatriyas gained dominance.
23. Position of women in Rigvedic period was?
A) High, with freedom in education and marriage
B) Very low, no rights
C) Equal to slaves
D) None
Answer: A) High, with freedom in education and marriage
Explanation: Women composed hymns, attended assemblies.
24. In Later Vedic age, women’s position?
A) Improved further
B) Declined
C) Equal to men
D) None
Answer: B) Declined
Explanation: Child marriage, dowry, restriction on education increased.
25. The main occupation in Later Vedic society was?
A) Pastoralism
B) Agriculture
C) Industry
D) Trade
Answer: B) Agriculture
Explanation: Use of iron plough, settled farming expanded in Ganga plains.
Religion
26. The Rigvedic religion was mainly?
A) Idol worship
B) Sacrificial rituals and nature worship
C) Buddhism
D) Jainism
Answer: B) Sacrificial rituals and nature worship
Explanation: Deities personified natural forces like Agni, Indra, Surya.
27. Later Vedic religion emphasized?
A) Simple prayers
B) Sacrifices (yajnas) and dominance of priests
C) Meditation
D) Idol temples
Answer: B) Sacrifices (yajnas) and dominance of priests
Explanation: Ritualism increased, giving Brahmins greater power.
28. The Ashvamedha sacrifice symbolized?
A) Marriage
B) Agricultural fertility
C) King’s sovereignty
D) Trade expansion
Answer: C) King’s sovereignty
Explanation: Horse sacrifice to demonstrate authority over territory.
29. Later Vedic religion gradually paved the way for?
A) Jainism and Buddhism
B) Islam
C) Christianity
D) Zoroastrianism
Answer: A) Jainism and Buddhism
Explanation: Reaction against ritualism and priestly dominance.
30. The philosophical texts of Vedic literature are?
A) Samhitas
B) Brahmanas
C) Aranyakas and Upanishads
D) Kalpasutras
Answer: C) Aranyakas and Upanishads
Explanation: They emphasize meditation, philosophy, and monism (Brahman).
Vedic Literature
31. The Samaveda is primarily a collection of?
A) Prayers for warriors
B) Verses for music and chants
C) Magical spells
D) Legal codes
Answer: B) Verses for music and chants
Explanation: Considered origin of Indian music.
32. The Yajurveda deals with?
A) Sacrificial rituals
B) Medicine
C) Astronomy
D) Magic
Answer: A) Sacrificial rituals
Explanation: Provides formulas for priests during yajnas.
33. The Atharvaveda contains?
A) Only war hymns
B) Magical spells, charms, medicine
C) Economic policies
D) Astronomy
Answer: B) Magical spells, charms, medicine
Explanation: Deals with everyday life and rituals.
34. The Brahmanas are texts that?
A) Explain rituals and sacrifices
B) Deal with philosophy
C) Narrate stories
D) Record history
Answer: A) Explain rituals and sacrifices
Explanation: Written in prose, they explain significance of yajnas.
35. The Upanishads emphasize?
A) Ritualism
B) Philosophy, monism, meditation
C) Astrology
D) Law codes
Answer: B) Philosophy, monism, meditation
Explanation: Teach concepts of Brahman (universal soul) and Atman (self).
Vedic Literature & Education
36. The total number of Upanishads traditionally is said to be?
A) 18
B) 48
C) 108
D) 200
Answer: C) 108
Explanation: Though around 12 are considered principal, tradition counts 108.
37. Which Upanishad contains the dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama?
A) Chandogya
B) Brihadaranyaka
C) Katha
D) Isa
Answer: C) Katha
Explanation: Discusses immortality of soul and nature of Brahman.
38. The Brihadaranyaka and Chandogya Upanishads belong to?
A) Samaveda
B) Yajurveda and Samaveda
C) Atharvaveda
D) Rigveda
Answer: B) Yajurveda and Samaveda
Explanation: Brihadaranyaka = Yajurveda, Chandogya = Samaveda.
39. The Upanishadic doctrine of Neti-Neti means?
A) “Yes-Yes”
B) “Neither this nor that”
C) “All is one”
D) “Only God exists”
Answer: B) “Neither this nor that”
Explanation: Explains Brahman as beyond description.
40. The earliest Indian education system was based on?
A) Temples
B) Ashramas and Gurukuls
C) Universities
D) Palaces
Answer: B) Ashramas and Gurukuls
Explanation: Students (Brahmacharis) lived with guru, studied Vedas.
Economy
41. In Rigvedic period, wealth was measured in terms of?
A) Gold
B) Land
C) Cattle
D) Silver
Answer: C) Cattle
Explanation: Cows were considered wealth,
Economy
42. The Rigvedic term Gavishti refers to?
A) Cow sacrifices
B) War for cattle
C) Agricultural land
D) Priesthood
Answer: B) War for cattle
Explanation: Cattle raids were common in Rigvedic tribal wars.
43. The Later Vedic people used which metal extensively?
A) Copper
B) Bronze
C) Iron
D) Silver
Answer: C) Iron
Explanation: Called Shyama Ayas (black metal), enabled agriculture in Ganga plains.
44. Barter trade in Vedic period was gradually supplemented by use of?
A) Coins
B) Cowrie shells
C) Nishka (gold ornaments)
D) None
Answer: C) Nishka (gold ornaments)
Explanation: Nishka was both an ornament and unit of value.
45. The Later Vedic economy was primarily?
A) Pastoral
B) Agricultural
C) Industrial
D) Maritime
Answer: B) Agricultural
Explanation: Iron ploughs enabled settled agriculture in fertile plains.
46. The Vedic people domesticated which animals most importantly?
A) Cow and horse
B) Camel and donkey
C) Sheep and pig
D) Dog and cat
Answer: A) Cow and horse
Explanation: Cow = wealth, horse = war and sacrifice (Ashvamedha).
47. The term Krishi in Later Vedic texts refers to?
A) Tax
B) Agriculture
C) Warfare
D) Ritual
Answer: B) Agriculture
Explanation: Farming became central to economy in Later Vedic age.
48. The earliest form of land revenue in Vedic times was?
A) Bhaga
B) Bali
C) Kara
D) Sulka
Answer: B) Bali
Explanation: Voluntary gift to chief, later became compulsory.
49. The craft of weaving in Vedic age was mostly done by?
A) Women
B) Men
C) Slaves
D) Priests
Answer: A) Women
Explanation: Women wove cloth, often mentioned in Rigveda.
50. The most important river mentioned in Rigveda is?
A) Saraswati
B) Ganga
C) Yamuna
D) Indus
Answer: A) Saraswati
Explanation: Praised as the “best of rivers” (Naditama).
Society & Family
51. The basic unit of Vedic society was?
A) Tribe (jana)
B) Family (kula)
C) Clan (vish)
D) Janapada
Answer: B) Family (kula)
Explanation: Patriarchal family was the foundation of social structure.
52. Marriage in Vedic society was considered?
A) Civil contract
B) Sacrament (sanskara)
C) Social obligation only
D) Voluntary
Answer: B) Sacrament (sanskara)
Explanation: Marriage was sacred and indissoluble.
53. The Rigvedic women enjoyed the right to?
A) Study the Vedas
B) Participate in assemblies
C) Compose hymns
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Women like Gargi and Lopamudra were renowned scholars.
54. In Later Vedic period, the status of women?
A) Improved
B) Declined
C) Equal to men
D) Independent
Answer: B) Declined
Explanation: Polygamy, child marriage, denial of education became common.
55. The four-fold Varna system is first mentioned in?
A) Atharvaveda
B) Purusha Sukta of Rigveda
C) Yajurveda
D) Upanishads
Answer: B) Purusha Sukta of Rigveda
Explanation: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras emerged.
56. The Later Vedic society was divided on basis of?
A) Tribe
B) Occupation
C) Wealth only
D) Gender
Answer: B) Occupation
Explanation: Varna system became rigid and hereditary.
57. The term Gotra in Vedic society referred to?
A) Clan lineage from a common ancestor
B) Land ownership
C) Priesthood
D) Occupation
Answer: A) Clan lineage from a common ancestor
Explanation: Used to prevent same-gotra marriages.
58. The Later Vedic texts refer to slaves as?
A) Dasa/Dasi
B) Bhaga
C) Bali
D) Niskha
Answer: A) Dasa/Dasi
Explanation: Slavery existed, often from wars and debts.
59. The teacher in the Gurukul was called?
A) Purohit
B) Acharya or Guru
C) Brahmana
D) Kshatriya
Answer: B) Acharya or Guru
Explanation: Students lived in his ashram and studied Vedas.
60. The student stage of life in Vedic society was called?
A) Vanaprastha
B) Brahmacharya
C) Grihastha
D) Sannyasa
Answer: B) Brahmacharya
Explanation: Four ashramas: Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Sannyasa.
Religion & Philosophy
61. Which Vedic god is described as “Prajapati” (lord of creatures) in Later Vedic period?
A) Indra
B) Varuna
C) Prajapati (Brahma)
D) Vishnu
Answer: C) Prajapati (Brahma)
Explanation: Emerged as creator god in Later Vedic texts.
62. Vishnu in Later Vedic religion was associated with?
A) War
B) Preservation
C) Death
D) Agriculture
Answer: B) Preservation
Explanation: Vishnu was elevated as preserver of the universe.
63. Rudra (proto-Shiva) in Later Vedic religion was associated with?
A) Thunder
B) Storms and healing
C) War only
D) Wealth
Answer: B) Storms and healing
Explanation: Later identified with Shiva.
64. The philosophical texts called Aranyakas are known as?
A) Books of rituals
B) Forest books for meditation
C) War manuals
D) Agricultural guides
Answer: B) Forest books for meditation
Explanation: Bridge between ritualism and philosophy.
Q65. The central teaching of the Upanishads is?
A) Polytheism
B) Atman is Brahman (unity of soul and universal spirit)
C) Idol worship
D) Ritual sacrifices
Answer: B) Atman is Brahman
Explanation: Basis of Indian philosophy: unity of self with ultimate reality.
66. The doctrine of transmigration of soul (rebirth) is first found in?
A) Samaveda
B) Brahmanas
C) Upanishads
D) Rigveda
Answer: C) Upanishads
Explanation: Soul’s immortality and cycle of rebirth discussed.
67. The principle of Karma is first clearly mentioned in?
A) Brahmanas
B) Upanishads
C) Rigveda
D) Samhitas
Answer: B) Upanishads
Explanation: Deeds determine next birth.
68. Which Upanishad contains the phrase Satyam Eva Jayate?
A) Mundaka
B) Isa
C) Katha
D) Chandogya
Answer: A) Mundaka
Explanation: “Truth alone triumphs” — later national motto of India.
69. Which Vedic text is considered source of Ayurveda (medicine)?
A) Samaveda
B) Atharvaveda
C) Rigveda
D) Yajurveda
Answer: B) Atharvaveda
Explanation: Contains hymns and remedies for health.
70. The first clear mention of caste by birth appears in?
A) Rigveda
B) Later Vedic texts
C) Mauryan texts
D) Gupta period
Answer: B) Later Vedic texts
Explanation: Varna became hereditary and rigid.
Applied / Exam-Oriented
71. Which Veda is called the “Book of Chants”?
A) Rigveda
B) Yajurveda
C) Samaveda
D) Atharvaveda
Answer: C) Samaveda
Explanation: Provides tunes for Rigvedic hymns.
72. The oldest Veda is?
A) Rigveda
B) Samaveda
C) Atharvaveda
D) Yajurveda
Answer: A) Rigveda
Explanation: Composed around 1500 BCE.
73. The Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to which deity?
A) Indra
B) Surya (Savitr)
C) Agni
D) Varuna
Answer: B) Surya (Savitr)
Explanation: Found in Rigveda (Book III), still recited in Hindu tradition.
74. Who among the following women is a composer of Rigvedic hymns?
A) Lopamudra
B) Gargi
C) Maitreyi
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Women participated in Vedic intellectual life.
75. The Later Vedic sacrificial ritual Rajasuya was meant for?
A) King’s coronation
B) Fertility of crops
C) Warrior’s initiation
D) Rain invocation
Answer: A) King’s coronation
Explanation: Royal consecration sacrifice.
76. The term Rita in Rigveda signifies?
A) Royal power
B) Cosmic order and truth
C) Agriculture
D) Military rule
Answer: B) Cosmic order and truth
Explanation: Maintained by Varuna.
77. The Rigvedic economy can be described as?
A) Pastoral with limited agriculture
B) Industrial
C) Maritime trade-based
D) Urbanized
Answer: A) Pastoral with limited agriculture
Explanation: Cattle wealth was most important.
78. The Later Vedic polity was marked by?
A) Decline of tribal assemblies
B) Rise of monarchy
C) Territorial kingdoms (Janapadas)
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Tribal democracy gave way to hereditary kingship.
79. The famous dialogue between Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi is found in?
A) Rigveda
B) Chandogya Upanishad
C) Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
D) Mundaka Upanishad
Answer: C) Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Explanation: Deals with immortality and knowledge of Brahman.
80. The chief occupation of Later Vedic Aryans was?
A) Hunting
B) Agriculture
C) Mining
D) Fishing
Answer: B) Agriculture
Explanation: Expansion in Ganga plains due to iron plough.
81. The Rigvedic rivers are collectively called?
A) Panchanad
B) Sapta Sindhu
C) Triveni
D) Sindhuganga
Answer: B) Sapta Sindhu
Explanation: Seven rivers — Indus and its tributaries.
82. The most frequently mentioned river in Rigveda is?
A) Saraswati
B) Ganga
C) Yamuna
D) Indus
Answer: D) Indus
Explanation: Indus is mentioned most, but Saraswati praised as best.
83. The river Ganga is first mentioned in?
A) Rigveda
B) Samaveda
C) Yajurveda
D) Atharvaveda
Answer: A) Rigveda
Explanation: But Ganga became prominent only in Later Vedic age.
84. Which Vedic god was called “destroyer of forts” (Purandara)?
A) Varuna
B) Indra
C) Agni
D) Soma
Answer: B) Indra
Explanation: Most hymns dedicated to Indra.
85. The Later Vedic capital Hastinapur is associated with?
A) Rigvedic tribes
B) Mahabharata tradition
C) Mauryas
D) Guptas
Answer: B) Mahabharata tradition
Explanation: Important political center of Kurus.
86. The Later Vedic king performed Ashvamedha to?
A) Gain popularity
B) Assert sovereignty over other kings
C) Increase fertility
D) Ensure rain
Answer: B) Assert sovereignty over other kings
Explanation: Horse sacrifice demonstrated supreme authority.
87. The Janapadas mentioned in Later Vedic texts later evolved into?
A) Mahajanapadas
B) Empires
C) Villages
D) Republics only
Answer: A) Mahajanapadas
Explanation: 16 Mahajanapadas by 6th century BCE.
88. Which Vedic text contains earliest reference to four stages of life (Ashramas)?
A) Rigveda
B) Later Upanishads
C) Later Brahmanas
D) Aranyakas
Answer: C) Later Brahmanas
Explanation: Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Sannyasa mentioned.
89. The Later Vedic society gradually became?
A) Egalitarian
B) Hierarchical and patriarchal
C) Caste-free
D) Tribal only
Answer: B) Hierarchical and patriarchal
Explanation: Varna system and patriarchy solidified.
90. The Vedic religion mainly worshipped?
A) Nature gods
B) Idols
C) Temples
D) Gurus
Answer: A) Nature gods
Explanation: Deified forces of nature like Agni, Indra, Varuna.
91. The Vedic age lacked knowledge of which?
A) Horse
B) Iron in early period
C) Chariots
D) Fire rituals
Answer: B) Iron in early period
Explanation: Rigvedic age used copper/bronze; iron from Later Vedic.
92. The Later Vedic king collected revenue called?
A) Bali
B) Bhaga
C) Shulka
D) Kara
Answer: B) Bhaga
Explanation: A regular share of produce from peasants.
93. Which animal was most frequently offered in Vedic sacrifices?
A) Cow
B) Goat
C) Horse
D) Buffalo
Answer: B) Goat
Explanation: Cows were rarely sacrificed, being too valuable.
94. The Rigvedic Aryans lived in?
A) Fortified towns
B) Villages
C) Cities
D) Large empires
Answer: B) Villages
Explanation: Economy and society were predominantly rural.
95. The Later Vedic villages were administered by?
A) Rajan directly
B) Gramaṇi (village head)
C) Purohit
D) Samiti
Answer: B) Gramaṇi (village head)
Explanation: He organized agriculture and revenue collection.
96. The Rigvedic Aryans worshipped primarily through?
A) Idol worship
B) Yajnas (sacrifices)
C) Temples
D) Image worship
Answer: B) Yajnas (sacrifices)
Explanation: No temple/idol worship; sacrifices through Agni were central.
97. The Rigvedic Aryans were familiar with?
A) Cotton and wool
B) Silk cultivation
C) Tea and tobacco
D) Iron ploughs
Answer: A) Cotton and wool
Explanation: Wool widely used; cotton also known.
98. The main food of Rigvedic people was?
A) Barley and milk products
B) Rice and fish
C) Wheat and sugar
D) Potatoes and maize
Answer: A) Barley and milk products
Explanation: Yava (barley) was staple; cattle gave milk, ghee.
99. The Rigvedic polity was essentially?
A) Democratic republic
B) Tribal monarchy with assemblies
C) Empire system
D) Feudal
Answer: B) Tribal monarchy with assemblies
Explanation: Rajan ruled with Sabha and Samiti.
100. The overall legacy of Vedic civilization was?
A) Foundation of Indian social and religious order
B) Complete urbanization
C) Decline of agriculture
D) Establishment of Mauryan empire
Answer: A) Foundation of Indian social and religious order
Explanation: Vedic period shaped caste, religion, language, and philosophy of later India.