Test: The Vedic Period- 2 - UPSC

Rudra is a Rigvedic deity, associated with wind or storm and the hunt. One translation of the name is "the roarer". In the Rigveda, Rudra has been praised as the "mightiest of the mighty".Rudra is the personification of 'terror'. Depending up on the periodic situation, Rudra can be meant as the most severe roarer/howler (could be a hurricane or tempest) or the most frightening one.According to Rigveda, Rudra also means Vayu.The Shri Rudram hymn from the Yajurveda is dedicated to Rudra, and is important in the Saivism sect.

The correct answer is D as sudas was not defeated therefore it is not correct about battle of kings.

Reasons for the growth in royal power in the later Vedic period:
1. Increase in the size of kingdom:
- The expansion of territories led to an increase in the size of the kingdom.
- With a larger kingdom, the king's authority and power grew, as he controlled more resources and people.
2. Emergency of the idea of divine theory of kingship:
- The concept of divine theory of kingship emerged during the later Vedic period.
- According to this belief, kings were considered to be of divine origin or chosen by the gods.
- This idea strengthened the authority and power of the king, as he was seen as a representative of the gods.
3. Amalgamation of tribes:
- During this period, there was a process of amalgamation of various tribes into larger political units.
- This consolidation of tribes led to the formation of kingdoms with stronger central authority.
- The king played a crucial role in bringing together and maintaining the unity of these different tribes.
4. Successful leadership of the king in war:
- The king's success in warfare and military campaigns played a significant role in consolidating and expanding his power.
- Victories in battles and wars enhanced the king's reputation and authority among his subjects.
- The king's ability to protect and provide security to his kingdom further strengthened his position.
5. All of the above:
- All the mentioned factors, including the increase in the size of the kingdom, the emergence of the divine theory of kingship, the amalgamation of tribes, and the successful leadership of the king in war, contributed to the growth in royal power in the later Vedic period.
In conclusion, the growth in royal power during the later Vedic period can be attributed to various factors such as the expansion of territories, the belief in divine theory of kingship, the consolidation of tribes, and the king's successful leadership in war. These factors collectively enhanced the authority and power of the king, leading to the growth of royal power.

A is the correct option.The Vedic Era saw the emergence of Painted Grey Ware(PGW) Culture. The Rig Vedic sites have PGW but iron objects and cereals are absent. Hence it is considered a pre-iron phase of PGW. On the other hand, the Later Vedic sites are considered iron-phase of PGW.

Answer:
The correct answer is B: Ganapati or Jyestha.
Here is a detailed explanation:
Introduction:
In tribal societies, the head of the tribal-republic holds an important position and is responsible for making important decisions and leading the community. This position is known by different names in different tribes. In the context of the given question, the head of the tribal-republic is called Ganapati or Jyestha.
Explanation:
- Gramani, mentioned in the question, is not the name for the head of the tribal-republic. It refers to a person known as the king maker or Raja-Katri.
- Purohita is not the correct answer as it refers to a priest or a religious advisor in many Indian societies.
- Mahishi is not the correct answer either. Mahishi refers to the queen or the wife of the king in certain contexts.
Conclusion:
Hence, the correct answer is B: Ganapati or Jyestha, which is the name for the head of the tribal-republic.

A is the correct option.The political units during the Rig Vedic or the early Vedic period comprised of Grama (village), Vish and Jana. The king ruled with the consent and approval of the people and the prime duty of the king were to protect the tribe in which assisted by the above ratnis and officials. 
AKSHVAPA has the job of accountant.
BHAGADHUGA as the revenue collector
KSHATTRI as the chambarian
ADHIKARITA as the village official
GOVIKARTANA as keeper of games and forests.

B is the correct option.King Saumitra was Last ruler of Ikshvakuvansh / Suryavansha. He was driven out of Ayodhya by the Magadhan Emperor Mahapadma Nandā.
Although, both the Hindu Puranas and the Buddhist texts include Shuddodhana, Gautama Buddha and Rahula in their accounts of the Ikshvaku dynasty, but according to the Buddhist texts, Mahasammata, an ancestor of Ikshvaku was the founder of this dynasty, who was elected by the people as the first king of the present era.
 

According to the Aitareya Brahmana, kingship originated by the common consent of the people. Here is a detailed explanation:
Origin of Kingship according to the Aitareya Brahmana:
The Aitareya Brahmana is a Hindu scripture that provides insights into the origin of kingship. It suggests that kingship came into existence through the common consent of the people. The Brahmana describes the process of how a king is chosen and the factors that contribute to the establishment of a ruler.
Factors contributing to the origin of kingship:
The Aitareya Brahmana highlights certain factors that play a role in the establishment of kingship. These factors include:
1. Social Agreement: The Brahmana states that kingship is established through the agreement and consent of the people. It implies that the community as a whole acknowledges and accepts a particular individual as their ruler.
2. Leadership Qualities: The Brahmana suggests that a king is chosen based on his leadership qualities and abilities. The individual who displays wisdom, courage, and other desirable qualities is more likely to be accepted as a ruler.
3. Divine Support: Although not explicitly mentioned in the Aitareya Brahmana, the concept of divine support for kingship is often associated with Hindu traditions. It is believed that a king receives the blessings and approval of the gods, which further strengthens their legitimacy as a ruler.
4. Hereditary Succession: In some cases, kingship may be passed down through generations within a particular family. This form of succession is often based on the belief that certain families are inherently destined to rule.
5. Rituals and Coronation: The Brahmana also emphasizes the importance of rituals and ceremonies in the establishment of kingship. These rituals, such as the coronation ceremony, symbolize the formal recognition of an individual as a ruler and their acceptance by both the people and the divine.
In conclusion, the Aitareya Brahmana suggests that kingship originated through the common consent of the people. Factors such as social agreement, leadership qualities, divine support, hereditary succession, and rituals play a role in the establishment of a ruler. By understanding these principles, we can gain insights into the ancient origins of kingship according to this Hindu scripture.

Theory of the Origin of the State in Vedic Literature
The Vedic literature, which includes the ancient texts of the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, provides insights into the early civilization and society in ancient India. These texts discuss various aspects of life, including governance and the origin of the state. Among the theories of the origin of the state, three are mentioned in the Vedic literature while one is not:
1. The Contract Theory: The Vedic literature does not explicitly mention the contract theory, which suggests that the state is formed through a social contract between individuals. According to this theory, people willingly come together and form a government to protect their rights and maintain social order.
2. The Theory of Divine Origin: The Vedic literature supports the theory of divine origin, which suggests that the state is established by divine authority. The texts describe the concept of a king as a representative of the gods or as a divine figure with a sacred duty to protect the people and uphold righteousness.
3. The Force Theory: The Vedic literature also mentions the force theory, which posits that the state is established through the conquest or subjugation of weaker groups by a dominant group. The texts describe conflicts, battles, and the establishment of kingdoms through military force.
Conclusion:
In summary, the Vedic literature discusses the theories of divine origin and force as the origin of the state. However, it does not explicitly mention the contract theory. These theories provide insights into the ancient Indian society and the various perspectives on the establishment of governance and political systems.

Answer:
The correct statement among the given options is E: All of the above. Here is a detailed explanation for each statement:
- During the later Vedic age women had lost right to the Upanayana ceremony:
In the later Vedic age, women did lose the right to the Upanayana ceremony, which was a sacred thread ceremony marking the initiation into the study of Vedas. This ceremony was exclusively reserved for males.
- Polygamy prevailed:
Polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses, was prevalent during the Vedic period. Men were allowed to have more than one wife, which was considered socially acceptable.
- Women were not allowed to attend political assemblies:
During the Vedic period, women were generally excluded from participating in political assemblies. The political and decision-making processes were predominantly male-dominated.
- The system of Sati was not common:
The system of Sati, where a widow self-immolates on her husband's funeral pyre, was not common during the Vedic period. This practice became more prevalent in later centuries.
Therefore, all of the above statements are correct, leading to the answer e.

In ancient India, mythology and historical records show that there are eight different types of Hindu marriages. However, not all followed a religious sanction; they were recognised by many communities that followed Hinduism. It is still arguable that a lot of them can be seen among Hindus today.

There are eight types of Hindu matrimonies, these are; Brahma, Daiva, Arsha, Prajapatya, Gandharva, Asura, Rakshasa and Paishaca.

A Rakshasa marriage is much like a fairytale. The groom will forge battles with the bride’s family, overcome them and carry the bride away to convince her to marry him. Because of the forcible methods used in this marriage type, it is not considered right. A girl should not be wooed this way to tie the wedding knot with a groom.

D is the correct option.
The Vedas prescribe performance of the Aswamedha(sacrifice of horse) and the Rajasuya yagna for kings as a means to establish their sovereignty. The Gita extols the Vedic yagna or sacrifice as beneficial to all and it is compared to the mythical cow Kamadenu. …
VAJAPEYA was a yajna or sacrifice performed by the ancient kings of India who considered themselves powerful enough to be an emperor. 

Statement: Which one of the following statements about the trade and commerce in the later Vedic period is correct?
Correct Answer: D: All of the above.
Explanation:
During the later Vedic period, trade and commerce underwent significant developments. The correct option D encompasses all the correct statements about trade and commerce in this period. Let's break down each statement:
A: Trade and industry flourished and a class of hereditary merchants came into being.
- Trade and industry saw growth and expansion during the later Vedic period.
- A new class of hereditary merchants emerged, indicating the importance and influence of trade in society.
B: Merchants were organised into guilds, as appears from references to ganas or corporations and the shreshth ins.
- There is evidence to suggest that merchants were organized into guilds or associations.
- References to ganas (corporations) and the shreshthins (leading merchants) indicate the existence of organized merchant groups.
C: They used Mishka, satamana, and krishnala as the units of value.
- Mishka, satamana, and krishnala were indeed used as units of value during the later Vedic period.
- These units were used for measuring and calculating the value of goods and services exchanged in trade.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D, as all the statements mentioned are valid and accurate in relation to trade and commerce during the later Vedic period.

E is the correct option.Tamralipta or Tamralipti was a city in ancient Bengal, located on the Bay of Bengal in ... It was linked by roads with the major towns of that time, i.e. Rajagriha, Shravasti. Almost forgotten, the port of Tamralipti finds several mentions across ancient world literature. 

Summary:
The correct statement about the administrative system of the early Vedic period is that all of the above statements are correct. Let's break down each statement and explain them in detail.
Explanation:
- Purohita and Senani:
- Purohita: Purohita was the chief priest or the royal chaplain who played a crucial role in religious and ceremonial matters. They performed rituals and offered guidance to the king.
- Senani: Senani refers to the army chief or the commander-in-chief. They were responsible for the military affairs and the defense of the kingdom.
- System of Espionage and Dutas:
- Vedic kings had a well-organized system of espionage to gather information about their enemies and maintain internal security. Spies were employed to collect intelligence.
- Dutas were messengers or envoys who were appointed by the king to carry important messages and communications between different kingdoms or rulers.
- Gramani:
- Gramani was the head of the village or the local community. They held both civil and military responsibilities. They ensured the smooth functioning of the village administration and also played a role in defense if needed.
- Purupati:
- Purupati refers to the chief or the lord of forts and strongholds. They were responsible for the management and defense of forts and strongholds.
Therefore, all of the above statements are correct and provide an accurate description of the administrative system during the early Vedic period.

Judicial Punishments in the Vedic Period:
During the Vedic period, several forms of judicial punishments were practiced. One of the punishments mentioned in the question is:
A: A debtor was punished with a period of servitude under the creditor.
- A debtor who failed to repay his debt was subjected to servitude under the creditor. This meant that the debtor had to work for the creditor for a specific period of time until the debt was repaid.
Other forms of judicial punishments in the Vedic period were:
B: Tying a criminal to a stake.
- This punishment involved tying the criminal to a stake as a form of public humiliation and deterrence. It served as a warning to others and aimed to discourage criminal activities.
C: Monetary compensation to the relative of a person killed.
- In cases of manslaughter, the offender was required to pay monetary compensation to the relatives of the deceased. This form of punishment aimed to provide some form of restitution to the victim's family.
D: Capital punishment was not awarded.
- The Vedic period did not have a system of capital punishment. Instead, alternative forms of punishment, such as servitude and monetary compensation, were used to address offenses.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is E: All of the above.

Statement A: Upanishadic era represented the zenith of India's cultural growth.
- The Upanishadic era is considered as a significant period in Indian history.
- It was a time of intellectual and philosophical development.
- During this era, the Upanishads were composed, which are regarded as the philosophical texts of Hinduism.
- The Upanishads explored various concepts and ideas related to spirituality, self-realization, and the nature of reality.
- The Upanishadic era contributed to the growth and development of Indian culture and philosophy.
Statement B: The conceptions of Brahman and Atman were united in the Upanishadic philosophy.
- The Upanishads discuss the concepts of Brahman and Atman extensively.
- Brahman is the ultimate reality, the supreme cosmic power, and the source of all existence.
- Atman is the individual self or soul.
- The Upanishads explain that the true nature of Atman is identical to Brahman.
- They teach that realizing this unity between Brahman and Atman leads to spiritual liberation and enlightenment.
Statement C: The Upanishads believe in karma, maya, mukti, and transmigration of the soul.
- The Upanishads discuss various philosophical concepts and beliefs.
- Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, where one's actions have consequences.
- Maya refers to the illusion or the temporary nature of the material world.
- Mukti refers to liberation or freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
- The Upanishads also explore the concept of transmigration of the soul, where the soul takes on different bodies through reincarnation.
Statement D: There are 108 Upanishads which were written between 900-500 B.C.
- The Upanishads are a collection of ancient philosophical texts.
- There are a total of 108 Upanishads.
- They were composed over a period of time, from around 900 to 500 B.C.
- Each Upanishad offers unique insights into spiritual and philosophical teachings.
Statement E: All of the above.
- All of the statements mentioned above are correct.
- The Upanishadic era represented a cultural zenith, the conceptions of Brahman and Atman were united, the Upanishads believe in karma, maya, mukti, and transmigration of the soul, and there are 108 Upanishads written between 900-500 B.C.

A is the correct option.The Jabala Upanishad, also called Jabalopanisad, is a minor Upanishad of Hinduism. The Sanskrit text is one of the 20 Sannyasa Upanishads, and is attached to the Shukla Yajurveda. The Jabala Upanishad is an ancient text, composed before 300 CE. It provides earliest clear reference to the four ashramas of the student, house-holder, forest hermit, and recluse.

Explanation:
The question is asking about the identity of the Ritnins mentioned in the Samahitas, in relation to the growth of royal power and the administrative machinery. The correct answer is option E, which states that the Ritnins are members of the council of advisors consisting partly of the king's relations, partly of his courtiers, and partly of heads of the main departments of administration who assisted the king.
Detailed
The growth of royal power led to the development of an administrative machinery to support the king's rule. Within this machinery, the Samahitas refer to the Ritnins, who played an important role in advising and assisting the king in his governance. Here is a breakdown of the answer:
1. Members of the council of advisors:
- The Ritnins were individuals who served as members of the council of advisors to the king.
- They were responsible for providing guidance, counsel, and advice to the king on various matters of governance.
2. Consisting partly of the king's relations:
- Some of the Ritnins were members of the king's family or relatives.
- This suggests that the king relied on trusted family members for counsel and support in decision-making.
3. Partly of his courtiers:
- The Ritnins also included courtiers, who were individuals in the king's court.
- These courtiers were likely chosen for their skills, knowledge, and loyalty to the king.
4. Partly of heads of the main departments of administration:
- The Ritnins also consisted of the heads of the main departments of administration.
- These individuals were responsible for managing and overseeing different aspects of the kingdom's governance, such as finance, defense, and justice.
5. Assisting the king:
- The Ritnins played a crucial role in assisting the king in the day-to-day affairs of the kingdom.
- They provided support, advice, and expertise to help the king make informed decisions and effectively govern his realm.
In conclusion, the Ritnins mentioned in the Samahitas were members of the council of advisors to the king. They consisted of the king's relations, courtiers, and heads of the main departments of administration. Their role was to provide counsel and assistance to the king in the exercise of his royal power.

Correct Answer:C

According to the Matsya and vayu puranas a heavy flood on the river Ganga destroyed Hastinapura and Nichakshu, the fifth king after parikshit (Arjuna’s grand son) who ascended the throne after kurukshetra war, shifted his capital to kausambi, 50 kilomters from prayagraj.

The Aiatareya Brahmana applies the terms Samrat, bhoja , viraj and rajas to the rulers of the east, south, north and the middle country and reserved the terms ekarat and savabhauma for those who had conquered the kings in four directions. 

Answer:

Introduction:

The term Bharata is significant in the history of India as it eventually became the name of the country Bharatvarsha. In this response, we will explore the origins of the term Bharata and its appearance in the Vedas.

Origins of the term Bharata:

The term Bharata has its roots in ancient Indian literature and mythology. It is derived from the Sanskrit word 'bharat' which means 'to be maintained' or 'to be cherished'. The term Bharata is associated with the legendary King Bharata who was an ancestor of the Pandavas and Kauravas, the central characters in the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Appearance of the term Bharata in the Vedas:

The Vedas, considered the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, contain a wealth of knowledge about ancient Indian civilization. The term Bharata appears in one of the Vedas, establishing its historical significance. Let's explore which Veda mentions the term Bharata:
- Rig Veda: The Rig Veda is the oldest and most important Veda, composed between 1500 and 1200 BCE. However, it does not directly mention the term Bharata.
- Sama Veda: The Sama Veda is a collection of melodies and chants derived from the Rig Veda. Unfortunately, it does not mention the term Bharata either.
- Yajur Veda: The Yajur Veda is a collection of rituals and prayers. It also does not mention the term Bharata.
- Atharva Veda: The Atharva Veda is the last of the Vedas and contains hymns, spells, and incantations. The term Bharata is mentioned in the Atharva Veda (7.6.3) in the context of a hymn praising the divine qualities of Indra, the king of gods.

Conclusion:

To answer the question, the term Bharata after which the country Bharatvarsha was eventually named appears in the Atharva Veda. This Veda mentions the term Bharata in a hymn dedicated to Indra. It is important to note that while the term Bharata has ancient roots, the country Bharatvarsha was not officially named until much later in history.

The Centre of Aryan Activity in the Later Vedic Period:
During the later Vedic period, the centre of Aryan activity shifted from the Punjab and Delhi region to the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. The area from the Yamuna to the western borders of Bengal became the new center of Aryan civilization. Here are the key points explaining this:
1. Geographical Shift: The later Vedic period witnessed a gradual migration of the Aryans from the northwestern region to the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent.
2. Expansion towards the East: The Aryans expanded their settlements and influence towards the east, covering regions such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Bengal.
3. Yamuna River: The Yamuna River played a significant role in defining the eastern extent of Aryan activity during this period. It served as a natural boundary for the Aryan settlements.
4. Spread of Vedic Culture: With the shift in the center of Aryan activity, the Vedic culture and practices also spread to the new regions. The Aryan society continued to flourish, and the Vedic rituals and traditions were practiced in this expanded area.
5. Trade and Interaction: The eastern region, with its fertile land and proximity to the Ganges River, provided favorable conditions for agriculture and trade. This led to increased interaction and cultural exchange between the Aryans and the local non-Aryan tribes.
Overall, the later Vedic period witnessed a significant shift in the center of Aryan activity, with the Yamuna to the western borders of Bengal becoming the new focal point of Aryan civilization. The expansion of settlements and the spread of Vedic culture contributed to the growth and development of the Aryan society in this region.

Centre of Aryan activity in the Rig Vedic period:
The correct answer is A: The Punjab and Delhi region.
Explanation:
During the Rig Vedic period, the Aryans were primarily located in the Punjab and Delhi region. Here's a detailed explanation:
- The Rig Vedic period is the earliest period of Vedic Sanskrit texts, composed between 1500 BCE and 1200 BCE.
- The Aryans, a group of Indo-European people, migrated from Central Asia and settled in the Indian subcontinent.
- The Punjab and Delhi region, which includes present-day Punjab and Haryana, was the main center of Aryan activity during this period.
- The Rig Vedic hymns, which form the basis of the Rig Veda, were composed by the Aryans in this region.
- The hymns describe the Aryan society, their religious beliefs, rituals, and their interactions with the indigenous people of the region.
- The Aryans practiced agriculture, cattle rearing, and horse breeding in the fertile lands of the Punjab and Delhi region.
- They also engaged in trade and warfare, establishing their dominance in the region.
In conclusion, the Punjab and Delhi region was the center of Aryan activity in the Rig Vedic period.

B is the correct option.Adhyayas of Yajur Veda, made up partly of verses and partly of prose, contain a number of prayers and sacrificial formulae. Extensive details for carrying out different sacrifices are given in the chapters of the Yajur Veda.

The correct answer is Kalpa.
Explanation:
The Vedangas are the texts that are considered ancillary to the Vedas. They are six in number and they are as follows:
1. Shiksha: It deals with the phonetics and phonology of the Sanskrit language.
2. Chhandas: It deals with the study of poetic meters and prosody.
3. Vyakarana: It deals with grammar and linguistic analysis.
4. Nirukta: It deals with etymology and the interpretation of difficult Vedic words.
5. Jyotisha: It deals with astronomy and astrology.
6. Kalpa: It deals with the rituals and ceremonies associated with the practice of the Vedas.
The Srauta, Griha, and Dharma sutras are part of the Kalpa Vedanga. The Srauta sutras deal with the rituals and ceremonies performed in public, especially those related to the fire sacrifices. The Griha sutras deal with the rituals and ceremonies performed in the household, including those related to birth, marriage, and death. The Dharma sutras deal with the ethical and moral principles governing the conduct of individuals and society.
Therefore, the Vedanga that contains the Srauta, Griha, and Dharma sutras is Kalpa.

C is the correct option.From the earliest Vedic times cremation was the most common means of disposing of a body. There is, however, written evidence that burial and post burial ceremonies also occurred during the Vedic period. ... Cremation had become the only orthodox method for the disposal of the dead.

B is the correct option.Ushas is the most exalted goddess in the Rig Veda, but not as important or central as the three male Vedic deities Agni, Soma and Indra. She is on par with other major male Vedic deities.

The correct answer is C: Upanishads.
The discussions and teachings of the early mystics are primarily based on the Upanishads. The Upanishads are a collection of ancient scriptures that form the philosophical foundation of Hinduism. They are considered to be the culmination of Vedic thought and contain profound insights into the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate truth.
Here are some key points about the Upanishads and their significance in the discussions and teachings of the early mystics:
1. Upanishads as mystical texts: The Upanishads focus on the mystical and spiritual aspects of life. They explore profound questions about the nature of existence, the self, and the divine.
2. Secret teachings: The Upanishads were originally taught in secret to qualified students by enlightened gurus. They contain esoteric knowledge and profound insights into the nature of reality.
3. Vedanta philosophy: The Upanishads form the basis of Vedanta philosophy, which is the philosophical interpretation of the Upanishads. Vedanta is a non-dualistic philosophy that teaches the unity of the individual self (Atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman).
4. Meditative practices: The Upanishads prescribe various meditative practices to attain self-realization and union with the divine. These practices include contemplation, concentration, and self-inquiry.
5. Influence on other mystical traditions: The teachings of the Upanishads have had a profound impact on various mystical traditions, including Advaita Vedanta, Yoga, and Buddhism. Many early mystics drew inspiration from the Upanishads and incorporated their teachings into their own spiritual practices.
In conclusion, the Upanishads abound in the discussions and teachings of the early mystics. These scriptures contain profound insights into the nature of reality and the self, and have influenced numerous mystical traditions throughout history.