Vedic Civilization MCQ: Puranas, the Mahabharata & Satyameva Jayate's Origins

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

1. Q1.Sarga, Pratisarga, Vansa, Manvantara and Vanshanucharita are the indicators of:

   • A.Vedas
   • B.Puranas✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Upanishads
   • D.Sutras

   Explanation: These are the five characteristics of Puranas (Cosmogony, history of sages, genealogy of kings, etc.).

2. Q2.The number of Puranas is:

   • A.16
   • B.18✓ Correct Answer
   • C.19
   • D.21

   Explanation: There are 18 Puranas (e.g., Matsya, Markandeya, Bhagavat, etc.).

3. Q3.In which language was the ‘Shrimad Bhagavad Gita’ originally written?

   • A.Sanskrit✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Urdu
   • C.Pali
   • D.Hindi

   Explanation: It was originally written in Sanskrit as part of the Mahabharata.

4. Q4.Originally the Mahabharata was known as:

   • A.Brihatkatha
   • B.Brahmins
   • C.Brihatsamhita
   • D.Jayasamhita✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Mahabharata originally had 8,800 shlokas and was called 'Jaya' or 'Jayasamhita'.

5. Q5.The Shatasahasri-Samhita is the nickname of which of the following texts?

   • A.Rigveda
   • B.Atharvaveda
   • C.Ramayana
   • D.Mahabharata✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Mahabharata has 100,000 Shlokas, hence the name Shatasahasri-Samhita.

6. Q6.In Mahabharat by what name were the Kuninda-kings known?

   • A.Sarvasrestha
   • B.Madhyam
   • C.Dwij Srestha✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Dwij

   Explanation: Kuninda-Kings were known as 'Dwij Shrestha' (Chief among Dwijs).

7. Q7.According to Hindu mythology, which serpent offered himself as a rope for churning the ocean?

   • A.Kalia
   • B.Vasuki✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Pushkar
   • D.Sheshnag

   Explanation: Vasuki, the king of serpents, became the churning rope.

8. Q8.In which phase, the concept of untouchability was put clearly?

   • A.Rigvedic phase
   • B.Later Vedic phase
   • C.Later Gupta phase
   • D.Dharmashastra phase✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The concept assumed definite shape in the era of Dharmashastra.

9. Q9.From which Upanishad, the words “Satyameva Jayate” have been taken?

   • A.Mandukopanishad
   • B.Kathopnishad
   • C.Chhandogyopanishad
   • D.Mundakopanishad✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: It is taken from Mundakopanishad and means 'truth alone triumphs'.

10. Q10.The Statement “Tamsoma Jyotirgamaya” was originally mentioned in:

    • A.Upanishadas✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Mahakavyas
    • C.Puranas
    • D.Shaddarshanas

    Explanation: It is originally mentioned in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.

11. Q11.The legend of Satyakam Jabal, which challenges the stigma of being an unmarried mother, is mentioned in:

    • A.Jabal Upanishad
    • B.Prashnophishad
    • C.Chhandogya Upanishad✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Kathopanishad

    Explanation: Satyakam Jabala appears in Chapter IV of the Chhandogya Upanishad.

12. Q12.The literal meaning of which Upanishada is white horse?

    • A.Kathopanishad
    • B.Chhandogya Upanishad
    • C.Taittriya Upanishad
    • D.Eshopanishad
    • E.None of these✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Shvetashvatara Upanishad means 'carried on a white horse'.

13. Q13.Fundamental or basic script of the ‘Rig Veda’ was:

    • A.Devnagri
    • B.Kharoshthi
    • C.Pali
    • D.Brahmi✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: The basic script was Brahmi.

14. Q14.In the Vedic rituals HOTA is associated with the:

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

    Explanation: The priests of Rig Veda were called 'Hota'.

15. Q15.There is a similarity in Avesta and the Rig Veda, from which region the Avesta is related to:

    • A.India
    • B.Iran✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Israel
    • D.Egypt

    Explanation: Avesta is the scripture of Zoroastrians in Iran.

16. Q16.Which of the following animals was considered as “Aghanya” during the Vedic period?

    • A.Bull
    • B.Sheep
    • C.Cow✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Elephant

    Explanation: Cow was considered 'Aghanya' (not worthy to be killed).

17. Q17.In the early Rigvedic period, what was considered to be the most valuable property?

    • A.Land
    • B.Cow✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Women
    • D.Water

    Explanation: Cattle breeding was the most important economic activity; cows were the medium of exchange.

18. Q18.In context on Indian culture ‘Rit’ means:

    • A.Natural law✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Artificial law
    • C.Human law
    • D.Social law

    Explanation: 'Rit' is the universal principle of natural order.

19. Q19.In the context of ancient Indian society which one of the following terms does not belong to the category of the other three?

    • A.Kula
    • B.Vansha
    • C.Kosa✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Gotra

    Explanation: Kula, Vansha, and Gotra relate to family/lineage; Kosa relates to treasury.

20. Q20.What is the total number of Sanskaras?

    • A.10
    • B.12
    • C.15
    • D.16✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: There are a total of sixteen Sanskars described (e.g., Garbhadhana, Upanayana, Vivaha).