Q130. Into how many Mandalas is the Rigveda traditionally divided?
[2026 – SSC CGL Tier-II]
A. Eight
B. Ten
C. Twelve
D. Eighteen
Answer: B. Ten
Explanation: The Rigveda is organized into ten Mandalas. Mandalas II to VII are often called the family books because each is associated with particular families of Vedic seers.
Q129. What are the individual collections of hymns within the Mandalas of the Rigveda called?
[2026 – SSC CGL Tier-II]
A. Suttas
B. Suktas
C. Pitakas
D. Agamas
Answer: B. Suktas
Explanation: A Sukta is a hymn consisting of individual riks or verses. Numerous Suktas together form the Mandalas that constitute the organizational structure of the Rigveda.
Q128. Each Mandala of the Rigveda is primarily subdivided into:
[2026 – SSC CGL Tier-II]
A. Suktas
B. Parvas
C. Kandas
D. Nikayas
Answer: A. Suktas
Explanation: The hierarchy of the Rigveda runs broadly from Mandala to Sukta and then to individual riks. This structure facilitated systematic oral preservation and ritual recitation.
Q127. Which of the following is NOT one of the six Vedangas?
[2026 – SSC CGL Tier-II]
A. Shiksha
B. Chhandas
C. Vyakarana
D. Vaisheshika
Answer: D. Vaisheshika
Explanation: The six Vedangas are Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chhandas and Jyotisha. Vaisheshika is instead one of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy.
Q126. Consider the following statements about Vedic literature: Rigveda contains the oldest hymns; Brahmanas explain rituals; Aranyakas and Upanishads increasingly explore philosophical ideas. Which is correct?
[2026 – MP Police SI]
A. Only the first
B. First and second only
C. Second and third only
D. All three
Answer: D. All three
Explanation: The statements reflect the broad development of Vedic literature—from hymnic Samhitas through ritual-oriented Brahmanas to Aranyakas and Upanishads, where speculative and philosophical questions became increasingly prominent.
Q125. Which economic development in the Later Vedic period most directly helped support elaborate yajnas and increasingly powerful monarchies?
[2026 – UP PGT History]
A. Complete disappearance of agriculture
B. Increased agricultural surplus
C. End of cattle rearing
D. Abolition of taxation
Answer: B. Increased agricultural surplus
Explanation: Expansion of agriculture and iron-assisted cultivation generated larger surpluses. These resources supported elaborate rituals, specialist priests and stronger chiefs or kings, accelerating social and political differentiation.
Q124. Which statement best describes the broad religious change during the Later Vedic period?
[2026 – UP PGT History]
A. Rituals disappeared completely.
B. Elaborate sacrifices expanded alongside Brahmanical authority and philosophical speculation.
C. Buddhism became the official Vedic religion.
D. Image worship replaced every Vedic ceremony.
Answer: B. Elaborate sacrifices expanded alongside Brahmanical authority and philosophical speculation.
Explanation: Later Vedic religion witnessed increasingly elaborate sacrifices and greater priestly specialization. At the same time, questioning of ritualism contributed to philosophical speculation later expressed strongly in the Upanishads.
Q123. The worship of several Vedic deities while temporarily exalting one deity as supreme is generally described as:
[2026 – UP PGT History]
A. Monotheism
B. Henotheism
C. Atheism
D. Animism alone
Answer: B. Henotheism
Explanation: Rigvedic hymns praise different gods—such as Indra, Agni or Varuna—as exceptionally powerful in different contexts. Max Müller popularized “henotheism” for this pattern of worship.
Q122. According to the Purusha Sukta, the four varnas originated from:
[2026 – OSSSC]
A. A treaty between four tribes
B. The cosmic sacrifice of Purusha
C. Four geographical regions
D. Four royal dynasties
Answer: B. The cosmic sacrifice of Purusha
Explanation: The Purusha Sukta of the tenth Mandala symbolically derives Brahmana, Rajanya, Vaishya and Shudra from different parts of the sacrificed cosmic being, Purusha.
Q121. Which of the following women is remembered as a female seer associated with hymns of the Rigveda?
[2026 – UP PGT]
A. Apala
B. Amrapali
C. Sanghamitra
D. Mahapajapati
Answer: A. Apala
Explanation: Apala Atreyi is remembered among the women seers of the Rigvedic tradition. Other notable female figures associated with Vedic hymns include Ghosha, Lopamudra and Vishvavara.
