Vedic & Mahajanapadas — Set 1
Indian History · वैदिक और महाजनपद · Questions 1–10 of 60
Which of the following is the oldest Veda among the four Vedas?
Correct Answer: C. Rigveda
The Rigveda is considered the oldest religious text in the world. It contains 1,028 hymns dedicated to various deities like Indra and Agni. It is the foundation of the Vedic culture and heritage.
The 'Samaveda' is primarily considered to be a collection of which of the following?
Correct Answer: B. Melodies and chants
The Samaveda is known as the Veda of melodies and chants. It consists of verses taken from the Rigveda but set to music for singing during sacrifices. It is considered the origin of Indian classical music.
Which Veda contains details about rituals and hymns that are recited during sacrifices?
Correct Answer: C. Yajurveda
The Yajurveda is primarily a guide for performing rituals and sacrifices. It contains mantras as well as the procedures for using them in religious ceremonies. It is divided into two parts: Krishna Yajurveda and Shukla Yajurveda.
Which Veda deals with magical formulas, spells, and charms to ward off evils and diseases?
Correct Answer: D. Atharvaveda
The Atharvaveda contains charms, spells, and magical formulas for daily life. Unlike the other Vedas, it focuses more on the common people's beliefs and protection from ailments. It is often called the Veda of magical formulas.
How many 'Mahajanapadas' (great kingdoms) are mentioned in ancient Indian texts?
Correct Answer: D. 16
There were 16 Mahajanapadas in ancient India during the 6th century BC. These large states emerged from the consolidation of smaller janapadas. Important texts like the Anguttara Nikaya list these sixteen kingdoms.
What was the earliest capital of the Magadha kingdom before it was shifted to Pataliputra?
Correct Answer: C. Rajgriha
Rajgriha (modern Rajgir) was the first capital of the Magadha kingdom. It was surrounded by five hills, making it a secure and strategic location. The capital was later shifted to Pataliputra for better river connectivity.
The famous 'Battle of Ten Kings' (Dasrajan War) was fought on the banks of which river?
Correct Answer: D. Parushni (Ravi)
The Battle of Ten Kings was fought on the banks of the Parushni river, now known as the Ravi. King Sudas of the Bharata tribe defeated a confederacy of ten tribes. This victory established the supremacy of the Bharata clan.
In the Rigvedic period, which deity was known as 'Purandara' or the destroyer of forts?
Correct Answer: A. Indra
Indra was the most important divinity in the Rigveda and was called Purandara. He was considered the god of rain and thunder who destroyed enemy forts. More hymns are dedicated to Indra than to any other deity.
The Upanishads are primarily books focusing on which subject?
Correct Answer: A. Philosophy
The correct answer is 'Philosophy'. The Upanishads are philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality and the self. They signify the end of the Veda and are thus often called Vedanta. They discuss concepts like Brahman (universal soul) and Atman (individual soul).
The famous Gayatri Mantra is found in which Mandala of the Rigveda?
Correct Answer: A. 3rd Mandala
The Gayatri Mantra is contained in the 3rd Mandala of the Rigveda. It is dedicated to Savitr, the solar deity representing the stimulating power of the sun. This mantra is attributed to the sage Vishvamitra.