Vedic Civilization MCQ: Battle of Ten Kings, Vedic Assemblies & the Gayatri Mantra

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

1. Q1.The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of:

   • A.Bhakti
   • B.Image worship and yajnas
   • C.Worship of nature and yajnas✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Worship of nature and bhakti

   Explanation: Early Vedic religion was mainly related to worship of nature (forces like fire, wind) and performing of Yajnas.

2. Q2.Famous Battle of ‘Ten Kings’ was fought on the bank of the river:

   • A.The Ganges
   • B.Brahmaputra
   • C.Kaveri
   • D.Parushni✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The Dasharajnya or 'War of 10 Kings' was fought on the bank of Parushni River (Ravi).

3. Q3.Which of the following river referred as ‘Matetama’, ‘Devitama’ and ‘Naditama’ in the Rig Veda?

   • A.Sindhu
   • B.Saraswati✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Vitasta
   • D.Yamuna

   Explanation: Saraswati was considered the most pious river and referred to as best of mothers, goddesses, and rivers.

4. Q4.Give the name of the tribe which is not related to the ‘Panchjana’ of the Rig Veda Aryans:

   • A.Yadu
   • B.Puru
   • C.Turvasa
   • D.Kikat✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Pancha-Jana included Yadu, Turvasa, Druhya, Anu, and Puru. Kikat was not among them.

5. Q5.In the ancient period chief-livelihood source of the Aryans was:

   • A.Agriculture✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Hunting
   • C.Artcraft
   • D.Business

   Explanation: Aryans were dependent on Agriculture and hunting, with cattle breeding being very important.

6. Q6.The word ‘Yava’ mentioned in Rig Veda is used for which agricultural product?

   • A.Barley✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Gram
   • C.Rice
   • D.Wheat

   Explanation: Yava denotes Barley.

7. Q7.Match the items: A. Vrihi, B. Mudga, C. Yava, D. Ikshu with (i) Sugarcane, (ii) Rice, (iii) Mung bean, (iv) Barley/Millet. Correct Code:

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

   Explanation: Vrihi is Rice, Mudga is Mung bean, Yava is Barley, Ikshu is Sugarcane.

8. Q8.The Rigvedic “Pani” belong to which class of citizens?

   • A.Priests
   • B.Ironsmiths
   • C.Goldsmiths
   • D.Traders✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: “Pani” during the Rigvedic period were a class of traders.

9. Q9.The System of Governance prevalent in the Vedic era was:

   • A.Autocratic
   • B.Democratic
   • C.Republic
   • D.Descended monarchy✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The most popular system was inherited (descended) monarchy.

10. Q10.‘Sabha’ of Vedic-era:

    • A.Was an institution of mercantile people
    • B.Was a royal court
    • C.Was council of ministers✓ Correct Answer
    • D.National Assembly

    Explanation: The 'Sabha' was an assembly of the learned and elite, acting as a controlling power/council of ministers.

11. Q11.The Rigvedic tribal assembly associated with judicial function was:

    • A.Sabha✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Samiti
    • C.Vidhata
    • D.All of these

    Explanation: Sabha was associated with judicial functions and is mentioned eight times in Rigveda.

12. Q12.In which of the Vedas, Sabha and Samiti are called as two daughters of Prajapati?

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

    Explanation: Atharvaveda mentions Sabha and Samiti as the two daughters of Prajapati.

13. Q13.‘Ayurveda’ that is ‘Science of Life’ appeared first in:

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

    Explanation: Ayurveda is an Upaveda of Atharvaveda.

14. Q14.Rig-vedic religion was:

    • A.Polytheistic✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Monotheistic
    • C.Monistic
    • D.Libertarian

    Explanation: Rig Vedic religion was polytheistic, worshipping a number of Gods (Indra, Agni, Varuna, etc.).

15. Q15.The largest number of Rigvedic hymns are devoted to:

    • A.Agni
    • B.Indra✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Rudra
    • D.Vishnu

    Explanation: Maximum hymns (250) are devoted to Indra.

16. Q16.Who among the following is regarded as War-God in the Rig Veda?

    • A.Agni
    • B.Indra✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Surya
    • D.Varuna

    Explanation: Indra was the Storm-God, Sky-God, and the God of War (Purandara - Destroyer of forts).

17. Q17.Which set of statements is correct about Indra? (1) God of thunder, (2) Punished sinners, (3) Guardian of moral order, (4) God of rain.

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

    Explanation: Indra is God of thunder and rain. Varuna was the guardian of the moral order (Rit).

18. Q18.800 B.C. to 600 B.C. is related to which era?

    • A.Brahmin era✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Sutra era
    • C.Ramayana era
    • D.Mahabharata era

    Explanation: 800 B.C. to 600 B.C. is related to the Brahmana era.

19. Q19.Gayatri Mantra is found in which book?

    • A.Upanishad
    • B.Bhagwatgita
    • C.Rig Veda✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Yajurveda

    Explanation: Gayatri Mantra is found in the third Mandala of the Rig Veda.

20. Q20.Who composed the Gayatri Mantra?

    • A.Vasishtha
    • B.Vishwamitra✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Indra
    • D.Parikshit

    Explanation: It was written by Brahmarshi Vishwamitra.