Q50. What is a hymn of the Rigveda called?
[2021 – SSC JE]
A. Sukta
B. Stupa
C. Nikaya
D. Purana
Answer: A. Sukta
Explanation: Rigvedic hymns are called Suktas, literally “well-spoken.” Each Sukta comprises individual verses or riks arranged according to metre, deity and ritual or poetic purpose.
Q49. Identify the oldest of the Vedas.
[2021 – SSC MTS]
A. Samaveda
B. Atharvaveda
C. Rigveda
D. Yajurveda
Answer: C. Rigveda
Explanation: The Rigveda represents the earliest surviving Vedic textual layer and therefore serves as the chief written source for reconstructing Early Vedic civilization.
Q48. The Purusha Sukta occurs in which Veda?
[2021 – SSC CHSL]
A. Rigveda
B. Samaveda
C. Atharvaveda
D. Yajurveda
Answer: A. Rigveda
Explanation: Purusha Sukta is hymn 10.90 of the Rigveda. It describes the cosmic sacrifice of Purusha and famously presents a symbolic explanation of the four social varnas.
Q47. The Rigveda is divided into how many Mandalas?
[2021 – SSC GD]
A. 8
B. 10
C. 12
D. 18
Answer: B. 10
Explanation: Rigveda’s ten Mandalas contain its collection of Suktas. Mandala IX chiefly concerns Soma, while Mandala X includes several important philosophical and social hymns.
Q46. What is the name given to the fundamental collections of Vedic hymns and mantras?
[2021 – SSC CGL]
A. Samhitas
B. Smritis
C. Puranas
D. Vedantas
Answer: A. Samhitas
Explanation: Samhitas are the core collections of each Veda. Later Vedic layers include Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads, which expand ritual explanation and philosophical reflection.
Q45. Which Vedic deity was viewed as a mediator between human worshippers and the gods?
[2021 – UP PGT]
A. Agni
B. Yama
C. Pushan
D. Ushas
Answer: A. Agni
Explanation: Sacrificial offerings were placed in Agni, the sacred fire, who was believed to carry them to the gods. His role made fire central to Vedic ritual practice.
Q44. The ten books containing the 1,028 hymns of the Rigveda are called:
[2021 – RRB NTPC]
A. Mandalas
B. Pitakas
C. Varnas
D. Upangas
Answer: A. Mandalas
Explanation: Mandala literally conveys a circle or division and is the standard term for the ten books into which the Rigveda’s hymns are organized.
Q43. Early Vedic civilization flourished prominently in the region associated with which river?
[2020 – SSC CGL]
A. Sarasvati
B. Kaveri
C. Krishna
D. Mahanadi
Answer: A. Sarasvati
Explanation: Sarasvati receives exceptional praise in the Rigveda and was geographically important to Early Vedic communities inhabiting the north-western Sapta-Sindhu region.
Q42. The Rigvedic term “Gopati” literally means:
[2020 – SSC CHSL]
A. Lord or protector of cattle
B. Commander of elephants
C. Head of merchants
D. Village accountant
Answer: A. Lord or protector of cattle
Explanation: Because cattle were central to Rigvedic wealth and subsistence, political authority was frequently expressed through cattle imagery. Gopati therefore denoted a protector or lord of cows.
Q41. UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register has included manuscripts associated with which ancient Vedic text?
[2020 – SSC CHSL]
A. Rigveda
B. Arthashastra
C. Manusmriti
D. Meghaduta
Answer: A. Rigveda
Explanation: Rigveda manuscripts preserved at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute were placed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2007 for their outstanding documentary importance.
