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Vedic Age MCQ: 20 Selected Important Q&A for Competitive Exams

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Vedic Age MCQ: 20 Selected Important Questions and Answers for Competitive Exams | Exam Prep Zone (EPZ)
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Vedic Age MCQ: Background and Important Brief Discussion

In the history of ancient India, Vedic Age MCQs (Vedic Civilization MCQs) are a highly significant topic for competitive exams. After the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, this rural and agrarian society emerged with the arrival of the Aryans. Based on the Vedas, the primary source of Indian knowledge and science, questions from this chapter are frequently asked in exams like SSC (CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD), Railways (RRB), Police (Constable & SI), WBCS, PSC Clerkship, Teaching Exams (Primary, Upper Primary, SLST, CTET), and other government recruitment tests.

To facilitate your exam preparation, we have discussed the nuances of Vedic Civilization MCQs, including the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda in this segment. Additionally, this set of Vedic Age MCQs, covering Aryan social life, the Chaturvarna system, and various Vedic rivers and deities, will make your exam preparation stronger and boost your confidence.

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Vedic Age MCQ: 20 Important Questions and Answers for Competitive Exams

1. In which Mandala of the Rigveda is the ‘Purusha Sukta’ described?
(A) 8th Mandala
(B) 9th Mandala
(C) 10th Mandala
(D) 7th Mandala
Correct Answer: (C) 10th Mandala Extra Info: The first mention of the Varna system is found in the Purusha Sukta of the 10th Mandala of the Rigveda. It describes the origin of the four Varnas from the mouth, arms, thighs, and feet of the Primordial Being (Purusha). This ancient information on social structure is extremely important from an historical perspective.
2. Which river of the Vedic period was known as ‘Asikni’?
(A) Chenab
(B) Jhelum
(C) Beas
(D) Ravi
Correct Answer: (A) Chenab Extra Info: Asikni is the ancient Vedic name of the modern-day Chenab river. This river was one of the major waterways of the Sapta Sindhu region mentioned in the Rigveda. The mention of ancient names for various rivers in Vedic literature provides insight into the geographical locations of that time.
3. When the Aryans came to India, by what name did they identify themselves?
(A) Anarya
(B) Aryan
(C) Dasyu
(D) Das
Correct Answer: (B) Aryan Extra Info: The literal meaning of the word ‘Aryan’ is a person of high birth or noble. They used this name as an indicator of their cultural and linguistic superiority. In the Sanskrit language, Aryan primarily referred to cultured or righteous individuals.
4. What did ‘Sabha’ refer to in the Vedic period?
(A) Assembly of common people
(B) Council of elders
(C) King’s personal army
(D) Organization of merchants
Correct Answer: (B) Council of elders Extra Info: The ‘Sabha’ was a special council consisting of elders, experienced, and noble-born individuals of the society. It acted as an advisory body to the King in administrative matters and managed judicial tasks. The importance of the Sabha as a symbol of democratic tradition in the Rigvedic era was immense.
5. Which deity is mentioned most frequently in the Rigveda?
(A) Agni
(B) Varuna
(C) Indra
(D) Soma
Correct Answer: (C) Indra Extra Info: Nearly 250 hymns are dedicated to the glory of Indra, the god of war, in the Rigveda. He was also worshipped as the god of thunder and the bringer of rain. Among the Vedic deities, his position was supreme in terms of power.
6. What was the medium of education in the Vedic period?
(A) Oral recitation
(B) Script writing
(C) Pictography
(D) None of these
Correct Answer: (A) Oral recitation Extra Info: Due to the lack of scripts or writing in the Vedic period, education was entirely based on Shruti or hearing. In the Gurukul, disciples would memorize the Vedas and other scriptures perfectly by listening to the teacher. Because of this power of remembrance, the Vedas are called ‘Shruti’.
7. On what subject is the ‘Yajurveda’ primarily based?
(A) Hymns or Mantras
(B) Rituals of sacrifice
(C) Music
(D) Medicine
Correct Answer: (B) Rituals of sacrifice Extra Info: The Yajurveda is a compilation of specific rules for various Vedic sacrifices and religious ceremonies. It describes the mantras to be recited during sacrifices and the techniques for constructing sacrificial altars. It is divided into two main parts—Krishna Yajurveda and Shukla Yajurveda.
8. Which modern river is ‘Vipas’ in Vedic literature?
(A) Beas
(B) Sutlej
(C) Jhelum
(D) Ravi
Correct Answer: (A) Beas Extra Info: The modern name of the Vipasha river described in Vedic literature is Beas. This river is one of the major tributaries of the Indus River flowing through the Punjab region. The ancient Aryans used to practice agriculture and settle in the fertile lands along the banks of this river.
9. Which was the primary administrative unit of the Vedic period?
(A) Jana
(B) Grama
(C) Kula
(D) Vish
Correct Answer: (A) Jana Extra Info: The ‘Jana’ was the highest and most important political unit of the Rigvedic administrative structure. A Jana was formed by several ‘Vish’ or villages, and its head was called the Rajan. The primary goal of this administrative unit was the security of the people and leadership in war.
10. Who was referred to as ‘Gopati’ in Vedic society?
(A) Priest
(B) King
(C) Wealthy merchant
(D) Commander
Correct Answer: (B) King Extra Info: In the Vedic period, cattle (Godhana) was the supreme wealth, so the primary responsibility for protecting the cattle was given to the King. The King was conferred with the title ‘Gopati’ as the protector of the herds. This reflects the importance of animal husbandry and the King’s duty in the society of that time.
11. Where did the Aryans first establish their settlement?
(A) Indus Valley
(B) Sapta Sindhu region
(C) Ganges Valley
(D) Narmada Valley
Correct Answer: (B) Sapta Sindhu region Extra Info: Upon arriving in India, the Aryans first began living permanently in the ‘Sapta Sindhu’ region, watered by the Indus and its tributaries. This area currently points to the geographical boundaries of Punjab and adjacent regions. It is believed that most of the hymns of the Rigveda were composed on the banks of these sacred rivers.
12. How many Suktas are there in total in the Rigveda?
(A) 1028
(B) 1042
(C) 800
(D) 1200
Correct Answer: (A) 1028 Extra Info: There are a total of 1028 Suktas or hymns compiled in the Rigveda, divided into 10 Mandalas. These Suktas are primarily lyrical songs in praise and worship of various Vedic deities. It is recognized as the world’s oldest religious literature and is the foundation of Indo-Aryan culture.
13. In the Vedic period, ‘Samiti’ was—
(A) A department of the royal court
(B) A general assembly of the people
(C) A judicial assembly
(D) None of these
Correct Answer: (B) A general assembly of the people Extra Info: The ‘Samiti’ was a national council of the Vedic period where common people could participate directly. Political and administrative matters, as well as the election of the King or criticism of his work, were discussed here. It served as a unique example of democratic ideology.
14. Which metal was unknown to the people of the Vedic period?
(A) Copper
(B) Iron
(C) Silver
(D) Gold
Correct Answer: (B) Iron Extra Info: Aryans of the early Vedic or Rigvedic period were completely unaware of the use of iron. They primarily made weapons and tools out of copper and bronze (referred to as Ayas). The widespread use of iron began in the later Vedic period, bringing radical changes to agriculture and civilization.
15. What was the head of the family called in Aryan society?
(A) Rajan
(B) Kulapa
(C) Gramani
(D) Purohita
Correct Answer: (B) Kulapa Extra Info: Vedic society was patriarchal, and the eldest male head of the family was called ‘Kulapa’ or Kulapati. He had absolute authority and disciplinary rights over all family members. Several families or ‘Kulas’ combined to form the next administrative level, the ‘Grama’.
Also Check: Top 20 Must-Read Mehergarh Civilization MCQ Questions and Answers (Updated)
16. Who is called ‘Purandara’ in Vedic literature?
(A) Agni
(B) Indra
(C) Varuna
(D) Surya
Correct Answer: (B) Indra Extra Info: The word ‘Purandara’ means the destroyer of forts or cities of enemies, indicating the bravery of Indra. During the Aryan invasion of India, he was called by this name for capturing the strong forts of the non-Aryans. He was not just the god of rain, but also the primary symbol of Vedic heroism.
17. Which of the following is a social feature of the Rigvedic period?
(A) Varnashrama system was strict
(B) Women were respected
(C) Untouchability was prevalent
(D) Worship was temple-centric
Correct Answer: (B) Women were respected Extra Info: In the Rigvedic period, women were placed in a very high position of respect in society and had the opportunity to receive education freely. Learned women like Ghosha, Apala, and Vishwavara even composed Vedic hymns during this era. Child marriage and the Purdah system did not exist then, and women could participate in Sabha-Samitis.
18. What was the chief deity ‘Varuna’ a symbol of for the Aryans?
(A) War
(B) Moral laws or Rta
(C) Light
(D) Wealth
Correct Answer: (B) Moral laws or Rta Extra Info: Deity Varuna was the protector of cosmic and moral laws, referred to as ‘Rta’ in Vedic language. He maintained order in the universe and ensured justice by punishing sinners. He also had an extraordinary influence as the lord of the sea and water.
19. What was ‘Nishka’ in the Vedic period?
(A) A type of ornament/currency
(B) A type of cereal
(C) A type of weapon
(D) None of these
Correct Answer: (A) A type of ornament/currency Extra Info: Nishka was originally a neck ornament made of gold that was used as a medium of exchange in the Vedic period. Mention of it as a gold coin of a specific weight is found as its evolved form in later Vedic literature. It is an important indicator of the evolution of economic transactions in ancient India.
20. Which animal did the people of the Vedic period consider most sacred?
(A) Elephant
(B) Cow
(C) Horse
(D) Camel
Correct Answer: (B) Cow Extra Info: In Vedic society, the cow was the primary measure of wealth and an extremely sacred animal from a spiritual perspective. In the Rigveda, the cow is called ‘Aghnya’ or inviolable, meaning it is forbidden to kill it. In this animal-husbandry-based civilization, cow’s milk and ghee were essential for religious sacrifices.

People also ask (FAQs)

What is meant by Vedic Civilization?

The civilization that developed in ancient India after the fall of the Indus Valley Civilization, centered around the Vedas following the arrival of the Aryans, is called the Vedic Civilization. It was primarily a rural and agrarian civilization.

Which race established the Vedic Civilization in India?

The Vedic Civilization was established in India by the Indo-Aryan race. According to historians, the Aryans came to India from Central Asia and initiated this advanced culture.

What is the meaning of the word ‘Aryan’?

In the Sanskrit language, the literal meaning of the word ‘Aryan’ is ‘noble’ or ‘of high birth’. Additionally, in a linguistic sense, it refers to a specific group or Indo-European speaking people.

What were the currencies of the Vedic period?

In the Vedic period, the barter system was mainly prevalent. However, references are found to the use of gold ornaments called ‘Nishka’ and ‘Mana’ as a medium of exchange or currency.

What are the four Vedic types?

The main pillars of Vedic literature are the four Vedas—Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. Additionally, the four Ashramas (Brahmacharya, Garhastha, Vanaprastha, and Sanyasa) and the Chaturvarna system were also prevalent in social life.

What was the society of the Vedic period like?

The society of the Vedic period was primarily patriarchal, where the head of the family was called ‘Kulapa’. However, women were highly respected in the Rigvedic period, and the Chaturvarna system emerged later in society.

Also Check: 20 Essential MCQs on Indus Valley Civilization for Competitive Exams (Updated)

📌 Smart Study Tips: Vedic Civilization

To remember Vedic Civilization MCQs or similar history topics, you can follow the tips below:

  • Types of Vedas: Remember that the four Vedas are—Rigveda (oldest literature, collection of prayers/hymns), Samaveda (source of music and melody), Yajurveda (contains sacrificial rules), and Atharvaveda (source of medicine and magic spells).
  • Social Organization: Aryan families were patriarchal, and the head of village administration was called Gramini.
  • Famous Assemblies: In the Vedic period, the Sabha and Samiti were of immense importance as democratic institutions.
  • Barter System: Gold ornaments or coins called Nishka and Mana were used as a medium of exchange at that time.
  • Rivers and Deities: The most sacred river to the Aryans was the Saraswati, and the chief deity was Indra (Purandara).

🌟 Message of Success: Remember, every small step leads you towards big success. Your hard work today will build a bright future tomorrow. To maintain your preparation, regularly practice other important History MCQs and Mock Tests on our Exam Prep Zone website and take your preparation one step further.

Also Check: Vedic Period Mock Test: Challenge Your Knowledge Now (Updated)

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