Q100. Consider these statements: (1) The Vedas are classed as Shruti literature. (2) The Rigveda is divided into ten Mandalas. Which is correct?
[2024 – SSC MTS]
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation: The Vedas belong to Shruti, meaning “that which is heard,” reflecting their revealed and orally transmitted status. The Rigveda is traditionally organized into ten Mandalas.
Q99. The Rigveda is generally dated to approximately how many years ago in elementary historical chronology?
[2024 – SSC GD]
A. 1,000 years
B. 2,000 years
C. Around 3,500 years
D. 5,500 years
Answer: C. Around 3,500 years
Explanation: The earliest Rigvedic hymns are conventionally placed around the second millennium BCE, often beginning near 1500 BCE in standard examination chronology—roughly 3,500 years ago.
Q98. Which Veda is regarded as the earliest surviving literary specimen of the Indo-European linguistic tradition in India?
[2024 – SSC MTS]
A. Rigveda
B. Samaveda
C. Atharvaveda
D. Yajurveda
Answer: A. Rigveda
Explanation: Rigvedic Sanskrit preserves an exceptionally early Indo-Aryan linguistic stage and is among the oldest surviving Indo-European literary corpora, making it invaluable for comparative linguistics.
Q97. The principal period of composition of the Rigveda is conventionally placed between:
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A. 3000–2500 BCE
B. 1500–1000 BCE
C. 600–300 BCE
D. 200 BCE–200 CE
Answer: B. 1500–1000 BCE
Explanation: Competitive examinations commonly place the Rigvedic phase around 1500–1000 BCE. Chronological boundaries are approximate because its hymns developed orally over an extended period.
Q96. Which Veda was NOT originally included in the traditional “Vedatrayi” or threefold Veda?
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A. Rigveda
B. Samaveda
C. Yajurveda
D. Atharvaveda
Answer: D. Atharvaveda
Explanation: Vedatrayi traditionally referred to Rig, Sama and Yajur because of their direct roles in sacrificial ritual. Atharvaveda gained full canonical recognition somewhat separately.
Q95. Which source is the earliest major literary record for reconstructing Vedic culture?
[2024 – SSC Selection Post]
A. Rigveda
B. Arthashastra
C. Rajatarangini
D. Harshacharita
Answer: A. Rigveda
Explanation: As the oldest Vedic Samhita, the Rigveda preserves early evidence about religion, tribal organization, cattle economy, warfare, rivers and social relationships of Vedic communities.
Q94. Which is the third stage in the traditional four-Ashrama system?
[2024 – SSC CGL]
A. Brahmacharya
B. Grihastha
C. Vanaprastha
D. Sannyasa
Answer: C. Vanaprastha
Explanation: The conventional sequence is Brahmacharya or studenthood, Grihastha or householdership, Vanaprastha or gradual retirement, and finally Sannyasa or complete renunciation.
Q93. Which Vedic god commonly served as the intermediary carrying offerings from human beings to the gods?
[2024 – SSC MTS]
A. Indra
B. Agni
C. Soma
D. Surya
Answer: B. Agni
Explanation: Agni, the sacrificial fire, consumed offerings and symbolically conveyed them to the gods. This intermediary function made him one of the most frequently invoked Rigvedic deities.
Q92. Terms such as “Senani”, “Kulapa” and “Gramani” are encountered in the political and social vocabulary of which text?
[2024 – SSC Stenographer]
A. Rigveda
B. Milindapanho
C. Indica
D. Mudrarakshasa
Answer: A. Rigveda
Explanation: Rigvedic vocabulary includes offices and social roles such as Senani, military leader; Gramani, leader of a settlement or fighting group; and Kulapa, head of a family.
Q91. The Later Vedic phase is broadly associated with which archaeological technological age in northern India?
[2024 – SSC GD]
A. Palaeolithic Age
B. Iron Age
C. Bronze Age only
D. Mesolithic Age
Answer: B. Iron Age
Explanation: Later Vedic expansion into the western Ganga plains coincided with growing knowledge of iron, called shyama or krishna ayas in later texts, which supported agricultural expansion.
