Q20. Regarding Rigvedic people and the Harappan civilization, consider: (1) Rigvedic warriors knew armour and helmets. (2) Harappans knew both copper and iron. (3) Horse evidence is far clearer in Rigvedic culture than in Harappan civilization. Which are correct?
[2017 – UPSC CSE]
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All three
Answer: C. 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Rigvedic references support armour and horses, whereas mature Harappan civilization belonged to the Bronze Age and did not use iron. Clear horse evidence in Harappan contexts remains limited and debated.
Q19. Which text represents one of India’s oldest surviving literary heritages?
[2017 – SSC MTS]
A. Rigveda
B. Akbarnama
C. Rajatarangini
D. Ain-i-Akbari
Answer: A. Rigveda
Explanation: Rigveda is India’s oldest surviving Vedic compilation and contains archaic Sanskrit poetry transmitted orally with exceptional precision over many centuries.
Q18. Which is the oldest Veda?
[2016 – UP Police Computer Operator]
A. Rigveda
B. Samaveda
C. Atharvaveda
D. Yajurveda
Answer: A. Rigveda
Explanation: Rigveda is chronologically earliest and supplies the principal evidence for the Rigvedic phase, including social institutions, pastoral economy, tribal conflicts and worship of natural powers.
Q17. King Sudas, the victor in the Battle of Ten Kings, belonged to which tribe?
[2016 – WBCS]
A. Bharata
B. Yadu
C. Puru
D. Gandhara
Answer: A. Bharata
Explanation: Sudas was a Bharata ruler. Rigveda VII describes his victory over a tribal confederacy, an event that enhanced Bharata prominence in the north-western Vedic world.
Q16. Which statement about the Rigveda is NOT correct?
[2016 – Telangana Police SI]
A. Cattle were important.
B. Indra was prominent.
C. References to dasa or servitude are entirely absent.
D. Tribal conflicts are mentioned.
Answer: C. References to dasa or servitude are entirely absent.
Explanation: Rigvedic texts do contain terms such as Dasa and Dasyu, though their meanings vary by context. Therefore an absolute statement that such references are absent is incorrect.
Q15. The Vedic concept of “Rita” primarily signified:
[2016 – CGPSC]
A. Cosmic and natural order
B. Hereditary kingship
C. Coinage
D. Temple taxation
Answer: A. Cosmic and natural order
Explanation: Rita represented the ordered principle governing nature, morality and ritual correctness. Varuna was closely associated with protecting this cosmic order in Rigvedic thought.
Q14. Who was the principal god of war and heroic combat in the Vedic pantheon?
[2016 – UKPSC]
A. Indra
B. Varuna
C. Savitri
D. Prajapati
Answer: A. Indra
Explanation: Indra’s martial character dominates the Rigveda. His victories over Vritra and human enemies symbolized strength, conquest, release of waters and protection of Vedic communities.
Q13. What constituted the most valued form of movable wealth in Early Rigvedic society?
[2015 – UPPSC]
A. Cattle
B. Silver coins
C. Urban houses
D. Silk imports
Answer: A. Cattle
Explanation: Cows were a crucial measure of prosperity in Early Vedic society. Cattle supplied food, traction and status, and raids or battles were sometimes associated with acquiring livestock.
Q12. Which was NOT a characteristic feature of Rigvedic society?
[2015 – OSSSC]
A. Predominantly rural and pastoral life
B. Tribal political organization
C. Cattle as important wealth
D. Highly developed urban civilization
Answer: D. Highly developed urban civilization
Explanation: Rigvedic communities were primarily pastoral-agricultural and village-based. Large planned cities comparable with mature Harappan urban centres are not characteristic of Rigvedic material culture.
Q11. Which statement best represents social relations during the earliest Vedic phase?
[2015 – IB ACIO]
A. Caste restrictions were already completely rigid.
B. Inter-dining and intermarriage were not yet governed by the later degree of caste rigidity.
C. Untouchability dominated all occupations.
D. Occupational change was legally impossible.
Answer: B. Inter-dining and intermarriage were not yet governed by the later degree of caste rigidity.
Explanation: Early Vedic social divisions were comparatively fluid. Varna distinctions intensified gradually, and the elaborate hereditary restrictions associated with later caste society had not yet fully crystallized.
