Test: The Vedic Period - UPSC MCQ

1. The term "jana" in the Rig Veda was indeed used to refer to the tribe, and the term "janapada" or territory is not mentioned. This statement is correct.

2. The term "vis" in the Rig Veda does refer to the tribe, but it is mentioned 170 times, whereas "jana" occurs at about 275 places. Thus, "jana" is mentioned more frequently than "vis," making this statement incorrect.

3. The term for family (kula) is mentioned rarely in the Rig Veda. Instead, the term "griha" is used more frequently to indicate the family. The family in the early Vedic phase comprised an extended family rather than a small nuclear family. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Hence, only the first statement is correct, making Option A: 1 Only the correct answer.

1. Indra is correctly matched as the "Breaker of forts." Indra is known as Purandara, which means the breaker of forts. He is also considered the rain god and warlord in the Rig Veda.

2. Agni is incorrectly matched as the "God of plants." Agni is actually the fire god, and he is central to Vedic rituals and sacrifices.

3. Varuna is correctly matched as the "Personification of water." Varuna is indeed considered to uphold the natural order and is associated with water in the Rig Veda.

4. Soma is incorrectly matched as the "Storm god." Soma is actually the god of plants and the intoxicating drink made from them. The Maruts are the deities associated with storms.

Thus, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

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.

• Statement 1 is correct. The earliest Aryans spoke Indo-European languages, which are the ancestors of many languages spoken today in Europe, Iran, and the Indian subcontinent. Their culture was largely similar, characterized by their shared language.
• Statement 2 is correct. The Rig Veda is indeed the earliest text of the Indo-European languages and is a collection of prayers offered to gods such as Agni, Indra, Mitra, and Varuna.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The Avesta, the oldest text in the Iranian language, shares many common elements with the Rig Veda, including names of several gods and social classes.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

1. Rig Veda - Collection of prayers to gods like Agni, Indra, Mitra, Varun: Correct. The Rig Veda, the earliest text of the Indo-European languages, is indeed a collection of prayers to these gods.

2. Avesta - Oldest text in the Indo-European languages: Incorrect. The Avesta is the oldest text in the Iranian language, not the oldest in the Indo-European languages.

3. Aryans' primary occupation - Agriculture: Incorrect. The Aryans' earliest life seems to have been mainly pastoral, with agriculture being a secondary occupation.

4. Earliest specimen of Indo-European language - Inscription from Iraq about 2200 B.C.: Correct. The earliest specimen of the Indo-European language is found in an inscription from Iraq dating to about 2200 B.C.

Thus, pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched, while pairs 2 and 3 are not. This makes two pairs correctly matched.

Answer: Option B

Statement I correctly identifies the ruling Aryan clans as the Bharatas and the Tritsu, supported by the priest Vasisththa. Statement II accurately describes the Battle of Ten Kings as the conflict between the Bharatas and ten chiefs, resulting in the victory of the Bharatas. The battle established the supremacy of the Bharatas, which aligns with the explanation provided in Statement II, making it a comprehensive and accurate depiction of the event. Thus, both statements are correct, and Statement II logically explains the context presented in Statement I.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are factually correct based on the information provided from the Rig Veda. Indra being the most important divinity and Agni holding a significant position are accurate representations. However, while both statements independently present factual information, there is no direct explanatory relationship between them in the context of the Rig Veda. Indra's role as a warlord and Agni's significance as a fire god are distinct aspects of Vedic mythology without one statement inherently explaining the other.

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.

1. Jana - Tribe: Correct. The term "Jana" in the Rig Veda refers to a tribe. It indicates the primary social unit that people were loyal to during the Vedic period.

2. Vis - Family: Incorrect. The term "Vis" in the Rig Veda stands for a tribe or a large group of people, not a family. It was divided into smaller units called "grama."

3. Kula - Clan: Incorrect. In the Rig Veda, "Kula" refers to the family, not a clan. It comprised various family members, including parents, children, and other dependents.

4. Griha - House: Correct. The term "Griha" in the Rig Veda frequently refers to the house or household, indicating the physical dwelling where the family lived.

Thus, pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

1. Rajan - Tribal chief: Correct. In the Rig Vedic period, the Rajan (king) was the tribal chief, and his position often became hereditary.
2. Samiti - Military assembly: Incorrect. The Samiti was a tribal assembly that had deliberative functions, not specifically a military assembly.
3. Vashishta - Purohita: Correct. Vashishta was one of the most important priests (purohita) in the Rig Vedic period.
4. Bali - Tax collector: Incorrect. Bali was a voluntary offering made by the people to the chiefs, not a tax collector.

Only pairs 1 (Rajan - Tribal chief) and 3 (Vashishta - Purohita) are correctly matched.

- Statement 1: Correct. The Rig Veda indeed mentions both Arya varna and Dasa varna, signifying the early social divisions in Vedic society.

- Statement 2: Incorrect. The Shudras are mentioned for the first time in the tenth Book of the Rig Veda, not the ninth. The tenth Book is considered the latest addition to the Rig Veda, marking the gradual inclusion of the Shudras into the social hierarchy.

- Statement 3: Correct. The Rig Vedic society was primarily pastoral and largely egalitarian. The economy was not yet fully agrarian, and social divisions based on occupation and wealth were beginning to form but were not sharply defined. The society operated more on tribal and kinship lines, with a significant degree of equality among its members.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 3 Only.

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.

Statement-I correctly highlights that the tribal society during the Rig Vedic period had started differentiating based on occupations, yet the divisions were not very distinct. The society was more egalitarian at this point.
Statement-II correctly explains how the unequal distribution of the spoils of war within the tribal society resulted in the social advancement of princes and priests at the cost of the common tribal individuals. This led to the emergence of social inequalities within the tribe.
Therefore, Option (a) is the correct answer because both statements are factually accurate, and Statement-II logically explains the dynamics described in Statement-I.

- Statement 1 is correct: Indra is indeed the most important divinity in the Rig Veda, referred to as Purandara or the breaker of forts. He is also considered the rain god responsible for causing rainfall. There are 250 hymns devoted to him, making him the most significant deity in Rig Vedic texts.

- Statement 2 is correct: Agni, the fire god, holds the second position in the Rig Veda with 200 hymns devoted to him. Fire played a significant role in the life of the people during Vedic times, and Agni acted as an intermediary between gods and humans.

- Statement 3 is incorrect: Varuna is not the god of plants; he is the god who personified water and was believed to uphold the natural order. Soma, not Varuna, is associated with plants and is the deity linked to an intoxicating drink named after him.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

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.

1. Bharatas: River Parushni
Correct. The Battle of Ten Kings was fought on the river Parushni (modern Ravi), and the Bharatas were involved in this battle.

2. Tritsu: Priest Vasisththa
Correct. The Tritsu clan was supported by the priest Vasisththa.

3. Purus: Defeated in the Battle of Ten Kings
Correct. The Purus were one of the tribes defeated in the Battle of Ten Kings.

4. Kurus: Alliance with Panchalas
Correct. The Kurus formed an alliance with the Panchalas, establishing their rule in the upper Gangetic basin in later Vedic times.

All four pairs are correctly matched based on historical context provided.

Explanation:

1. The Bharatas were a dominant tribe during the Vedic period and fought the Battle of Ten Kings on the river Parushni.

2. The Tritsu were an Aryan clan supported by the priest Vasisththa.

3. The Purus were defeated in the Battle of Ten Kings by the Bharatas.

4. The Kurus later allied with the Panchalas and established their dominance in the upper Gangetic basin.

- Statement 1: Correct. The Battle of Ten Kings was indeed fought on the river Parushni, which is identified today with the river Ravi. This battle was crucial in establishing the supremacy of the Bharatas.

- Statement 2: Correct. The Bharata ruling clan faced opposition from a group of ten chiefs. Among these ten chiefs, five were heads of Aryan tribes and the other five were from non-Aryan people, signifying a significant coalition against the Bharatas.

- Statement 3: Incorrect. The Kurus did not combine with the Tritsu. Instead, the Bharatas joined hands with the Purus to form the Kurus, who then combined with the Panchalas to establish their rule in the upper Gangetic basin.

Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

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.

Statement-I correctly highlights the importance of kinship and loyalty to the tribe in the social structure of the Rig Vedic society. Statement-II accurately describes the representation of the family structure in the Rig Veda, emphasizing the term 'griha' over 'kula'. While both statements are individually correct in their descriptions, they discuss different aspects of social organization in the Rig Vedic society and do not directly explain or relate to each other. Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Correct answer is C. The class theory.

The Vedic literature does not mention the class theory of the origin of the state. It primarily refers to the theory of divine origin and to some extent, the contract and force theories.

Statement-I correctly highlights that the Rig Vedic people were predominantly pastoral, as evidenced by the numerous references to cows and bulls in the Rig Veda, indicating their importance. The cow was considered a significant form of wealth. Statement-II further supports this by explaining that the term "gavishthi" in the Rig Veda symbolizes wars fought over cows, emphasizing their economic and social significance. Hence, both statements are correct, with Statement-II providing an explanatory context to Statement-I.

1. Kinship - Social divisions based on occupations: Incorrect - Kinship refers to relationships between individuals based on blood, marriage, or adoption. It does not directly refer to social divisions based on occupations.

2. Jana - Family unit: Incorrect - "Jana" refers to a tribe or a large kinship group in Vedic society, not the family unit.

3. Varna of Vaishya - Traders and agriculturists: Correct - The Vaishya varna in the Vedic social system included traders, agriculturists, and cattle herders.

4. Patriarchal society - No desire is expressed for daughters: Correct - The patriarchal society of the Rig Vedic period often expressed a preference for sons over daughters, with little desire for female offspring being documented.

Thus, pairs 3 and 4 are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly describes the geographical area where the earliest Aryans resided, as mentioned in historical accounts. On the other hand, Statement-II suggests that the Aryans' success was solely due to their possession and introduction of chariots driven by horses, which oversimplifies the complex factors contributing to their success. In reality, the success of the Aryans was influenced by a combination of factors such as their military tactics, weaponry, social organization, and adaptation to local conditions, not solely reliant on chariots. Therefore, Statement-II is incorrect as it oversimplifies the reasons behind the Aryans' success.

1. The king, referred to as Rajan, often had his post decided by heredity, but there are traces of election by the tribal assembly called the Samiti.
This statement is correct. During the Rig Vedic period, the position of the king (Rajan) generally became hereditary. However, there are indications that the king could also be elected by the tribal assembly known as the Samiti.

2. The Sabha and the Samiti were the two most important assemblies mentioned in the Rig Veda, and even women attended these assemblies.
This statement is correct. The Rig Veda mentions several assemblies, with the Sabha and the Samiti being the most significant. These assemblies performed various functions, including deliberative, military, and religious roles. Importantly, women did attend these assemblies, which highlights their active participation in public affairs during the Rig Vedic times.

3. The king maintained a regular standing army, and military duties were performed by a dedicated group of professional soldiers.
This statement is incorrect. The king did not maintain a regular standing army. Instead, in times of war, a militia was mustered, and military functions were performed by different tribal groups called vrata, gana, grama, and sardha. This indicates a more tribal and less professionalized military structure.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 2 only. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Let's analyze each pair:

1. River Kubha - Eastern Afghanistan

   • The River Kubha is indeed associated with Eastern Afghanistan.
   • Correct.

2. Saraswati - Best of the rivers in the Rig Veda

   • Saraswati is often described as the best of the rivers in the Rig Veda.
   • Correct.

3. Indra - God of agriculture

   • Indra was given the title of 'Lord of the Plough' during later Vedic age in which the use of iron plough was an important part of agricultural practice.
   • During the later Vedic age agriculture became the main profession of the people ploughing with yokes of 6 and 8  oxen was practiced.
   • The plough was known by the name of Sira during the Vedic period.
   • Cow dung was used as manure and an irrigation system consisting of small canals was developed by the people in this era.
   • Correct.

4. Purandara - Breaker of forts

   • Purandara is a title associated with Lord Indra in Hindu mythology, meaning 'breaker of forts' or 'destroyer of cities'.
   • Correct.

Based on this analysis, the correctly matched pairs are:

• Pair 1: River Kubha - Eastern Afghanistan
• Pair 2: Saraswati - Best of the rivers in the Rig Veda
  Pair 3: Indra – God of agriculture 
• Pair 4: Purandara - Breaker of fort

All Four pairs

Statement-I is correct because the Rig Veda is indeed considered the earliest text of the Indo-European languages, consisting of ten mandalas or books. Statement-II is also correct as the Avesta is the oldest text in the Iranian language and shares similarities with the Rig Veda in terms of gods and social classes. The Avesta and the Rig Veda use the same names for several gods and social classes, indicating a cultural connection between the two texts. Hence, both statements are accurate, and Statement-II indeed explains Statement-I, making option (a) the correct answer.

1. Gavishthi: Search for cows
This pair is correctly matched. In the Rig Veda, the term "gavishthi" indeed means the search for cows, indicating that cows were highly valued.

2. Ayas: Iron
This pair is incorrectly matched. The term "ayas" in the Rig Veda refers to copper or bronze, not iron. The Vedic people were familiar with copper or bronze, but iron was not known to them during the Rig Vedic period.

3. Samudra: Ocean
This pair is incorrectly matched. In the Rig Veda, the term "Samudra" generally denotes a collection of water, which could be a large body of water like a lake, but not necessarily the ocean.

4. Ploughshare: Metal tool
This pair is incorrectly matched. The ploughshare mentioned in the Rig Veda is believed to be made of wood, not metal. The Vedic people used wooden ploughshares for agriculture.

Thus, only one pair is correctly matched.

All three statements provided are correct as per the historical and textual evidence from the Rig Veda.

1. Statement 1 is correct: The earliest Aryans indeed settled in a region that includes parts of eastern Afghanistan, North-West Frontier Province, Punjab, and fringes of western Uttar Pradesh. This area is historically significant for the early Aryan settlements.

2. Statement 2 is correct: The Rig Veda refers to the river Saraswati as Naditama, which means the best of the rivers. This shows the cultural and religious importance of the Saraswati river for the Aryans.

3. Statement 3 is correct: In the Rig Veda, Indra is called Purandara, which translates to the breaker of forts. This title was given to Indra in recognition of his military prowess and victories over the enemies of the Aryans, reflecting his importance as a warrior deity.

Thus, all the statements are accurate, making Option D the correct answer.

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are accurate. In the Rig Vedic period, the administrative system functioned closely with the tribal chief, also known as the 'Rajan', due to his effective leadership during warfare. The king indeed held the role of protecting his tribe, reflecting the sentiment of being the tribe's guardian. Therefore, Statement-II aptly elucidates why the administrative machinery collaborated with the tribal chief, as highlighted in Statement-I.

- Statement 1: The Rig Vedic people indeed possessed knowledge of agriculture, and there is mention of a ploughshare, which was likely made of wood. This statement is correct.

- Statement 2: The term 'Samudra' in the Rig Veda mainly denotes a collection of water, not large rivers. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

- Statement 3: The Rig Vedic Aryans were primarily pastoral people, with cows being the central form of wealth and the term for war being 'gavishthi', meaning 'search for cows'. This statement is correct.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C the correct answer.