Q40. The Vedic term “Nishka”, originally an ornament, later came to be associated with:
[2020 – SSC CGL]
A. A medium of value or coin-like unit
B. A plough
C. A fort
D. A village council
Answer: A. A medium of value or coin-like unit
Explanation: Nishka initially referred to a gold ornament or valuable object. In later usage it increasingly functioned as a unit of value, preceding fully developed coined currency.
Q39. The celebrated woman philosopher Gargi Vachaknavi is described as debating with:
[2020 – WBCS]
A. Yajnavalkya
B. Panini
C. Patanjali
D. Charaka
Answer: A. Yajnavalkya
Explanation: In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Gargi challenges Yajnavalkya with profound questions concerning the structure and ultimate basis of existence, demonstrating women’s participation in philosophical debate.
Q38. What was the Vedic name of the river Chenab?
[2020 – WBCS]
A. Asikni
B. Vitasta
C. Parushni
D. Vipasha
Answer: A. Asikni
Explanation: Asikni is identified with modern Chenab. The Vedic river system also included Vitasta-Jhelum, Parushni-Ravi, Vipasha-Beas and Shutudri-Sutlej.
Q37. The word “Veda” is derived from the Sanskrit root “Vid”, meaning:
[2020 – WBCS]
A. To know
B. To fight
C. To cultivate
D. To sacrifice
Answer: A. To know
Explanation: Veda derives from the verbal root vid, “to know.” Hence Veda broadly means knowledge, particularly sacred or revealed knowledge preserved through the Vedic tradition.
Q36. Which is the earliest of the four Vedas?
[2020 – SSC CGL]
A. Yajurveda
B. Atharvaveda
C. Rigveda
D. Samaveda
Answer: C. Rigveda
Explanation: Rigveda is the oldest Vedic Samhita and one of humanity’s earliest surviving religious-poetic corpora. It is indispensable for understanding Early Vedic society and religion.
Q35. Which is the earliest composition among the four Vedas?
[2019 – MP High School TET]
A. Rigveda
B. Atharvaveda
C. Samaveda
D. Yajurveda
Answer: A. Rigveda
Explanation: Rigveda precedes the other three Vedic Samhitas in its oldest layers. Its archaic language and social setting point to the earliest phase of Vedic literary culture.
Q34. What was the principal medium of Vedic education?
[2019 – UGC NET]
A. Sanskrit
B. Persian
C. Pali only
D. Arabic
Answer: A. Sanskrit
Explanation: Vedic learning centred upon the oral memorization and transmission of Sanskrit sacred texts. Precise pronunciation, accent and recitation were considered essential for preserving textual accuracy.
Q33. Which deity is invoked in the greatest number of hymns in the Rigveda?
[2019 – Territorial Army]
A. Indra
B. Brahma
C. Vishnu
D. Yama
Answer: A. Indra
Explanation: Indra is the most frequently praised Rigvedic deity, renowned as warrior, thunder-god and slayer of Vritra. Agni is another exceptionally prominent recipient of hymns.
Q32. Which Veda is considered the oldest?
[2019 – Gujarat Police Constable]
A. Atharvaveda
B. Samaveda
C. Rigveda
D. Yajurveda
Answer: C. Rigveda
Explanation: Rigveda preserves the earliest Vedic hymns and the oldest stage of Vedic Sanskrit, making it chronologically earlier than Sama, Yajur and Atharva Vedas.
Q31. Ayurveda is traditionally linked as an Upaveda especially with which Veda?
[2019 – SSC CGL]
A. Atharvaveda
B. Samaveda
C. Rigveda
D. None of these
Answer: A. Atharvaveda
Explanation: Traditional classifications often associate Ayurveda with Atharvaveda because that Veda contains numerous references to healing, disease, medicinal practices and protective charms.
