Vedic & Mahajanapadas — Set 6
Indian History · वैदिक और महाजनपद · Questions 51–60 of 60
The 'Gayatri Mantra' is addressed to which deity?
Correct Answer: B. Savitr
The Gayatri Mantra is addressed to Savitr, a solar deity. It is one of the most sacred mantras in Hinduism, found in the Rigveda. While Savitr is a form of the sun, the mantra specifically invokes the inspiring brilliance of the deity.
In the Rigvedic period, 'Soma' was best known as:
Correct Answer: B. A fermented drink/plant
Soma was an intoxicating plant and drink used in Vedic rituals. An entire Mandala (the 9th) of the Rigveda is dedicated to Soma. The juice was offered to gods, especially Indra, to gain strength.
Which city was the most famous center of education in ancient Gandhara?
Correct Answer: A. Taxila
Taxila (Takshashila) was a world-renowned center of learning in the Gandhara kingdom. Students from all over the world came there to study subjects like medicine, law, and strategy. Chanakya was a famous teacher at Taxila.
Viratnagar was the capital of which Mahajanapada?
Correct Answer: C. Matsya
Viratnagar was the capital of the Matsya Mahajanapada. It is located near modern Jaipur in Rajasthan. It is the place where the Pandavas spent their 13th year of exile in disguise.
King Porus, who fought Alexander, ruled the territory between which two rivers?
Correct Answer: A. Jhelum and Chenab
King Porus ruled the region located between the Jhelum (Hydaspes) and Chenab (Acesines) rivers. He displayed great valor in the Battle of Hydaspes against Alexander. Alexander was so impressed that he reinstated Porus as a ruler.
What was the term used for the 'King' in the Early Vedic period?
Correct Answer: C. Rajan
The king was called 'Rajan' in the Early Vedic period. His power was limited by tribal assemblies like the Sabha and Samiti. His primary duty was the protection of the tribe and cattle.
From which Upanishad is the famous prayer 'Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya' taken?
Correct Answer: C. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
The verse 'Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya' (Lead me from darkness to light) is from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. It is one of the oldest and most important Upanishads. The prayer seeks enlightenment and liberation.
Who wrote the famous Sanskrit grammar text 'Ashtadhyayi'?
Correct Answer: C. Panini
Panini wrote the Ashtadhyayi, a masterpiece on Sanskrit grammar. It was written around the 4th to 5th century BC. This text standardized the Sanskrit language and is considered a linguistic marvel.
The Rigvedic river 'Vipasha' corresponds to which modern river?
Correct Answer: C. Beas
The ancient river Vipasha is known today as the Beas river. It was one of the boundaries of the Vedic Aryan settlements. Alexander's army refused to cross this river to move further east.
Which was the most mentioned river in the Rigveda?
Correct Answer: C. Indus (Sindhu)
The Indus (Sindhu) is the most frequently mentioned river in the Rigveda. It was economically vital for the Vedic Aryans. The Saraswati was considered the holiest, but the Indus was the most prominent geographically.