Vedic Civilization MCQ: The Four Vedas, Brahmana Texts & the Upanishads

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.The term ‘Aryan’ denotes:

   • A.An ethnic group
   • B.A nomadic people
   • C.A speech group
   • D.A superior race✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: 'Aryan' is a term meaning 'noble' which was used as a self-designation by Indo-Iranian people. In classic Sanskrit, the word Arya means 'A nobleman'. Scholars point out that in ancient times, the idea of being an 'Aryan' was religious, cultural, and linguistic, not racial.

2. Q2.Meaning of the term ‘Arya’ in classical Sanskrit is:

   • A.Believer of the God
   • B.A hereditary caste
   • C.A believer in particular religion
   • D.A Noble man✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: In classic Sanskrit, the word Arya means 'A nobleman'.

3. Q3.Which one of the following is the oldest Veda:

   • A.Yajurveda
   • B.Rig Veda✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Samaveda
   • D.Atharvaveda

   Explanation: In Indian literature, Vedas are the most ancient scriptures which are four in numbers. Rig Veda is the most important and oldest among all these.

4. Q4.‘Trayi’ is a name for:

   • A.Three Vedas✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Dharma, Sangha and Buddha
   • C.Three Gods in Hindu Pantheon
   • D.Three seasons

   Explanation: Rig Veda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda are called Vedatrayi or simply Trayi.

5. Q5.In which Vedic text is the term ‘Varna’ found referred for the first time?

   • A.Rig Veda✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Atharvaveda
   • C.Samaveda
   • D.Yajurveda

   Explanation: The 'Varnas' have been known from Rig Veda since a hymn in the Rig Veda portrays the Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra issuing forth from the primeval person (Purusha).

6. Q6.The ‘Purush Sukta’ related to Varna System is originally found in:

   • A.Atharvaveda
   • B.Samaveda
   • C.Rig Veda✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Manusmriti

   Explanation: The word Shudra is mentioned for the first time in Purush Sukta of the 10th Mandal of the Rig Veda.

7. Q7.Match the following: A. Atharvaveda (1. God Grace), B. Rig Veda (2. Sacrifice process), C. Yajurveda (3. Medicine), D. Samaveda (4. Music). Correct Code:

   • A.3, 1, 2, 4✓ Correct Answer
   • B.1, 2, 3, 4
   • C.2, 3, 4, 1
   • D.3, 4, 1, 2

   Explanation: Atharvaveda is related to Medicine; Rig Veda to God Grace/Hymns; Yajurveda to Sacrifice process; Samaveda to Music.

8. Q8.In Rig Veda there are how many mantras?

   • A.1028✓ Correct Answer
   • B.1017
   • C.1128
   • D.1020

   Explanation: Rigveda consists of 1028 hymns and 10552 mantras.

9. Q9.The Rig Veda is the:

   • A.Collection of hymns✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Collection of stories
   • C.Collection of words
   • D.Text of war

   Explanation: The Rig Veda is an ancient collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns. It consists of thousands of such hymns.

10. Q10.Match List-I with List-II: A. Rig Veda (i. Gopatha), B. Samaveda (ii. Shatpatha), C. Atharvaveda (iii. Aitariya), D. Yajurveda (iv. Panchvisha). Correct Code:

    • A.iv, ii, iii, i
    • B.ii, iv, iii, i
    • C.iii, iv, i, ii✓ Correct Answer
    • D.i, ii, iv, iii

    Explanation: Rig Veda - Aitareya; Samaveda - Panchvisha; Atharvaveda - Gopatha; Yajurveda - Shatapatha.

11. Q11.Which one of the following Brahmana texts belongs to the Rigveda?

    • A.Aitareya Brahmana✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Gopatha Brahmana
    • C.Shatapatha Brahmana
    • D.Taittiriya Brahmana

    Explanation: Aitreya and Kaushitki are the two Brahmanas of Rigveda.

12. Q12.‘Gopatha Brahmana’ is associated with:

    • A.Yajurveda
    • B.Samveda
    • C.Atharvaveda✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Rig Veda

    Explanation: The Gopatha Brahmana is the only Brahmana associated with the Atharvaveda.

13. Q13.Which of the following is a Samhita of Shukla Yajurveda?

    • A.Vajasanami✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Maitrayani
    • C.Taittiriya
    • D.Kathak

    Explanation: Vajasneyi (Vajasanami) is the Samhita of Shukla Yajurveda. Shukla Yajurveda is available only in poetic form.

14. Q14.Which Mandala of Rig Veda is completely dedicated to ‘Soma’?

    • A.Seventh Mandala
    • B.Eighth Mandala
    • C.Ninth Mandala✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Tenth Mandala

    Explanation: The 9th Mandal of Rig Veda comprises 114 mantras dedicated to 'Soma'.

15. Q15.Rights and Rituals related to Yajnas are mentioned in:

    • A.Rig Veda
    • B.Samaveda
    • C.Brahmin Granthas
    • D.Yajurveda✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Yajurveda describes in prose the procedural details of performing different rituals and Yajnas.

16. Q16.Which one of the following four Vedas contains an account of magical charms and spells?

    • A.Rig Veda
    • B.Yajurveda
    • C.Atharvaveda✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Samaveda

    Explanation: The earliest description of charms and spells can be found in Atharvaveda.

17. Q17.The compilation of which among the following is based upon the Rig Veda?

    • A.Yajurveda
    • B.Samaveda✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Atharvaveda
    • D.None of the above

    Explanation: The Samaveda has taken many verses from the Rig Veda. Amongst its 1875 verses, except 75 or 99 verses, all are compiled from Rig Veda.

18. Q18.The earliest evidence of the use of iron in India has been discovered from:

    • A.Taxila
    • B.Atranjikhera✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Kaushambi
    • D.Hastinapur

    Explanation: Atranjikhera is a site on the bank of Kali river where the earliest evidence of iron used in the region dates back to 1150 B.C.

19. Q19.Upanishads are books on:

    • A.Religion
    • B.Yoga
    • C.Law
    • D.Philosophy✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: The Upanishad literature represents a philosophy for all times and for all.

20. Q20.The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the:

    • A.Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
    • B.Chhandogyopanishad
    • C.Kathopanishad✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Kenopanishad

    Explanation: Kathopanishad contains the story of the conversation between Yama, Lord of death, and Nachiketa.