Q150. In which Vedic text does the expression “Kshetra-patni” occur?
[2026 – UPSC CSE]
A. Rigveda
B. Atharvaveda
C. Samaveda
D. Yajurveda
Answer: B. Atharvaveda
Explanation: The expression Kshetra-patni, associated with the female guardian or mistress of the field, occurs in the Atharvaveda, which contains considerable information on domestic, agricultural and everyday life.
Q149. Which of the following correctly matches a Vedic river with its modern name?
[2026 – UPSC CSE]
A. Vitasta – Ravi
B. Asikni – Jhelum
C. Parushni – Ravi
D. Vipasha – Chenab
Answer: C. Parushni – Ravi
Explanation: Parushni is identified with the modern Ravi. Vitasta corresponds to Jhelum, Asikni to Chenab and Vipasha to Beas, names frequently encountered in Rigvedic geography.
Q148. The stories of Shvetaketu and Nachiketa in the Upanishadic tradition primarily emphasize the value of:
[2026 – UPSC CDS-II]
A. Military discipline
B. Performing sacrifices
C. Asking questions in pursuit of knowledge
D. Accumulating material wealth
Answer: C. Asking questions in pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: Both Shvetaketu and Nachiketa are associated with philosophical inquiry. Their narratives emphasize questioning teachers, seeking deeper knowledge and understanding the nature of the self and ultimate reality.
Q147. In which Veda was the term “Gotra” first used in the sense of a clan or lineage?
[2026 – UPSC CAPF]
A. Rigveda
B. Samaveda
C. Atharvaveda
D. Yajurveda
Answer: C. Atharvaveda
Explanation: Although gotra literally meant a cow enclosure in earlier usage, the Atharvaveda provides its early use in the developed sense of lineage or clan affiliation.
Q146. Which Vedic deity was regarded as the guardian of compacts and was also connected with marriage?
[2026 – UPSC CAPF]
A. Marut
B. Varuna
C. Aryaman
D. Agni
Answer: C. Aryaman
Explanation: Aryaman was an Aditya associated with hospitality, social bonds, contracts and marriage. He represented important rules governing relations among members of Vedic society.
Q145. Which two concepts constitute the central philosophical concern of the Upanishads?
[2026 – UPTET]
A. Dharma and Artha
B. Atman and Brahman
C. Karma and Yajna only
D. Varna and Ashrama
Answer: B. Atman and Brahman
Explanation: Upanishadic philosophy explores Atman, the inner self, and Brahman, ultimate reality. Understanding their relationship became one of the most influential ideas in later Indian philosophical traditions.
Q144. What is the literal meaning of “Pada” in the term Janapada?
[2026 – UPTET]
A. Crown
B. Foot
C. Village
D. Army
Answer: B. Foot
Explanation: Jana means people or tribe, while pada literally means foot or foothold. Janapada therefore came to denote the territory where a particular jana established its settlement.
Q143. The Rigvedic distinction between “Arya Varna” and “Dasa Varna” broadly represented a distinction between:
[2026 – RRB NTPC UG]
A. Priests and warriors
B. Vedic communities and non-Vedic groups
C. Farmers and traders
D. Kings and slaves only
Answer: B. Vedic communities and non-Vedic groups
Explanation: Early Rigvedic usage often contrasts Arya with Dasa or Dasyu communities. The distinction initially reflected cultural and social differences rather than the later fourfold hereditary varna order.
Q142. The early Vedic Aryans were primarily concentrated in which geographical region?
[2026 – RRB NTPC UG]
A. Magadha
B. Deccan Plateau
C. Sapta-Sindhu
D. Lower Ganga Delta
Answer: C. Sapta-Sindhu
Explanation: Early Rigvedic culture developed mainly in Sapta-Sindhu, the land of seven rivers covering parts of present-day north-western India and Pakistan, especially the Punjab region.
Q141. Which Vedic text provides the earliest literary picture of the life of the Vedic people?
[2026 – RRB NTPC UG]
A. Atharvaveda
B. Rigveda
C. Shatapatha Brahmana
D. Chandogya Upanishad
Answer: B. Rigveda
Explanation: The Rigveda is the earliest surviving Vedic composition. Its hymns provide valuable information about early Vedic religion, society, economy, tribal politics and geographical surroundings.