Vedic Civilization MCQ: Vedic Administration, the Satapatha Brahmana & Sanskaras

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

1. Q1.“Ganga Dashehara” is celebrated in which month and day according to Hindu Calendar?

   • A.Tenth bright lunar day of Jyeshtha✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Tenth bright lunar day of Chaitra
   • C.Tenth bright lunar day of Ashwin
   • D.Tenth bright lunar day of Magh

   Explanation: It is celebrated on Dashami (10th day) of the waxing moon of Jyestha.

2. Q2.The teacher who taught ‘Ved-Vedanga’ for livelihood, was called:

   • A.Acharya
   • B.Adhvaryu
   • C.Upadhyaya✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Purohita

   Explanation: Upadhyaya adopted teaching as a profession for livelihood.

3. Q3.The word 'Yava' in Rigveda refers to:

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

   Explanation: Yava is used for the food grain barley.

4. Q4.The priests of Rigveda were called:

   • A.Udgata
   • B.Adhvaryu
   • C.Hota✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Brahma

   Explanation: The priests of Rigveda were called 'Hota'.

5. Q5.Which Veda contains prose and verse formulas?

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

   Explanation: Yajurveda contains prose and verse formulas to be pronounced by priests.

6. Q6.Which Veda is divided into Shukla and Krishna parts?

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

   Explanation: The Samhitas of Yajur Veda are divided into Shukla (White) and Krishna (Black) Yajur Veda.

7. Q7.The Satapatha Brahmana belongs to:

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

   Explanation: Shukla Yajur Veda has a separate Brahmana text written as Satapatha Brahmana.

8. Q8.Who is the author of the 3rd Mandal of Rigveda?

   • A.Vashishtha
   • B.Vishwamitra✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Vamdeva
   • D.Atri

   Explanation: The Third Mandal is written by Vishwamitra.

9. Q9.The word 'Moksha' was firstly discussed in:

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

   Explanation: The word salvation or Moksha is not used in Vedas; it was firstly discussed in Upanishads.

10. Q10.Which river is called 'Hiranyani' in Rig Veda?

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

    Explanation: Sindhu (Indus) is called 'Hiranyani' for its importance.

11. Q11.The place where River Sindhu falls is called 'Peravat', which means:

    • A.Bay of Bengal
    • B.Indian Ocean
    • C.Arabian Sea✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Confluence

    Explanation: 'Peravat' means Arabian Sea.

12. Q12.Who was the wife of Agastya Rishi?

    • A.Ghosa
    • B.Lopamudra✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Sikta
    • D.Nivavari

    Explanation: Lopamudra was the wife of Agastya Rishi.

13. Q13.In Rigvedic society, the word 'Griha' was used for:

    • A.Village
    • B.Clan
    • C.Family✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Cattle

    Explanation: Family or Kul was the smallest unit; 'Griha' word is used for family.

14. Q14.'Veknat' in Rigvedic period referred to:

    • A.Carpenter
    • B.Metal worker
    • C.Moneylender✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Boatmen

    Explanation: Veknat means Moneylender.

15. Q15.'Taksha' in Rigvedic period referred to:

    • A.Carpenter✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Metal worker
    • C.Moneylender
    • D.Boatmen

    Explanation: Taksha means Carpenter.

16. Q16.'Ritasyagopa' was a title for which God?

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

    Explanation: God Varuna was supposed to uphold 'Rit' or natural order, hence called 'Ritasyagopa'.

17. Q17.The advisor of the King in Vedic governance was called:

    • A.Senani
    • B.Gramin
    • C.Purohit✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Sangrahita

    Explanation: Purohit was the Advisor of the king.

18. Q18.'Bhagdudh' in Vedic administration was the:

    • A.Treasurer
    • B.Tax collector✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Head of army
    • D.Messenger

    Explanation: Bhagdudh was the Tax collector.

19. Q19.Who was the 'Sangrahita' in Vedic administration?

    • A.Treasurer✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Tax collector
    • C.Accountant
    • D.Charioteer

    Explanation: Sangrahita was the Treasurer.

20. Q20.Which Sanskar involves 'Sacred thread ceremony'?

    • A.Jatakarma
    • B.Upanayana✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Samavartana
    • D.Annaprasana

    Explanation: Upanayana is the Sacred thread ceremony.