Vedic & Mahajanapadas — Set 5
Indian History · वैदिक और महाजनपद · Questions 41–50 of 60
The majority of hymns in the Rigveda are dedicated to which god?
Correct Answer: A. Indra
Indra has the highest number of hymns (250) dedicated to him in the Rigveda. He was the most beloved deity of the Aryans, associated with rain and war. Agni comes second with 200 hymns.
According to Max Muller, the Aryans originally came from which region?
Correct Answer: C. Central Asia
Max Muller propounded the Central Asian theory of Aryan origin. He suggested that the Aryans migrated from the steppes of Central Asia to India. This remains the most widely accepted historical theory.
Kaushambi was the capital of which Mahajanapada?
Correct Answer: B. Vatsa
Kaushambi was the capital of the Vatsa Mahajanapada. Located near modern Allahabad (Prayagraj), it was a prosperous city. King Udayana was a famous ruler of Vatsa and a contemporary of Buddha.
Who laid the foundation of the city of Pataliputra?
Correct Answer: B. Udayin
Udayin, the son of Ajatshatru, founded the city of Pataliputra. He shifted the capital from Rajgriha to Pataliputra due to its strategic location at the confluence of rivers. It remained the capital of Magadha for centuries.
Which was the first metal to be used by the Vedic people?
Correct Answer: B. Copper
Copper was the first metal used by the Vedic people. In the Rigveda, the term 'Ayas' was likely used for copper or bronze. Iron (Shyama Ayas) was discovered and used later in the Vedic period.
The concept of 'Gotra' (clan lineage) first appeared in which period?
Correct Answer: B. Later Vedic Period
The Gotra system became established during the Later Vedic Period. It originally meant a 'cow pen' but evolved to signify a common patrilineal ancestor. Marriage within the same Gotra was prohibited.
The ancient text 'Jaya Samhita' is the older name of which epic?
Correct Answer: C. Mahabharata
The Mahabharata was originally known as the Jaya Samhita. It started with 8,800 verses and expanded over centuries to become the world's longest epic. It narrates the great war between the Kauravas and Pandavas.
The 'Purusha Sukta', which mentions the fourfold Varna system, is found in:
Correct Answer: C. Rigveda
The Purusha Sukta is a famous hymn found in the 10th Mandala of the Rigveda. It describes the origin of the four Varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras) from the cosmic being. This is the first scriptural mention of the caste hierarchy.
Which Buddhist text provides the list of the 16 Mahajanapadas?
Correct Answer: C. Anguttara Nikaya
The Anguttara Nikaya is the Buddhist text that lists the 16 Mahajanapadas. It provides crucial historical data about the political geography of ancient India. The Jain text Bhagavati Sutra also contains a similar list.
Mathura was the capital of which Mahajanapada?
Correct Answer: A. Surasena
Mathura was the capital of the Surasena Mahajanapada. This region was located in the Braj region of modern Uttar Pradesh. It was famously associated with the Yadava clan and Lord Krishna.