Q.24 In Vedic socieities, Gahapatis were
(a) Big land-owner or big farmer involved in farming and trade
(b) Householders who made regular donations to religious sects
(c) Preserver of the law and order in social congregations such as festivals
(d) The priest who performed daily rituals for the royal household
Solution: (a)
Learning: The institutional development within the oligarchies of Vedic societies suggests a stabilized agrarian economy. In such a stable economy, there existed a hierarchy based on land ownership and distribution.
Sources mention wealthy householders (gahapatis) employing slaves and hired labourers to work on their lands. The existence of gahapatis suggests the breaking up of clan ownership of land and the emergence of individual holdings.
In the Pali canon, various Pali words have been translated into the English word "householder", including agārika, gahapati, gahattha and gihi
Q.25 Consider the following statements about the Rig Vedic society.
1. The Rig Vedic society was matriarchal.
2. Women were allowed to participate in literary activities.
3. The basic unit of society was the family whose head was called as Gahapati.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: (b)
Justification: We have had poets like Apala, Viswavara, Ghosa and Lopmudra during the Rig Vedic period.
Women could even attend the popular assemblies. There was no child marriage and the practice of sati was absent.
However, the society was patriarchal. The basic unit of society was family or graham. The head of the family was known as grahapathi.
Monogamy was generally practiced while polygamy was prevalent among the royal and noble families. The wife took care of the household and participated in all the major ceremonies
Q.26 The basic material or mantra text of each of the Vedas is called
(a) Samhita
(b) Brahmanas
(c) Aranyakas
(d) Paujanas
Solution: (a)
Learning: Samhita literally means "put together, joined, union", "collection", and "a methodically, rule-based combination of text or verses".
Samhita also refers to the most ancient layer of text in the Vedas, consisting of mantras, hymns, prayers, litanies and benedictions.
Parts of Vedic Samhitas constitute the oldest living part of Hindu tradition
Some post Vedic texts are also known as “Samhitas” such as Ashtavakra Gita, Bhrigu Samhita, Brahma Samhita, Deva Samhita, Garga Samhita, Kashyap Samhita, Shiva Samhita and Yogayajnavalkya Samhita.
Q.27 The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories viz. Shruti and Smriti. What is the difference between them?
1. Shruti is considered eternal whereas Smriti is subject to change.
2. Smriti philosophy stands in direct opposition or contrast to Shruti philosophy.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None
Solution: (a)
Justification: Shruti describes the sacred texts comprising the central canon of Hinduism viz. Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, & Upanishads.
Smiriti literally means “that which is remembered,” and it is entire body of the post Vedic
Classical Sanskrit literature. It comprises Vedanga, Shad darsana, Puranas, Itihasa, Upveda, Tantras, Agamas, Upangs. There is another post Vedic class of Sanskrit literature called Epics which includes Ramayana and Mahabharta.
Shruti is “that which has been heard” and is canonical, consisting of revelation and unquestionable truth, and is considered eternal. It refers mainly to the Vedas themselves.
Smriti is “that which has been remembered” supplementary and may change over time. It is authoritative only to the extent that it conforms to the bedrock of Shruti.
However, there is not a distinct divide between Shruti and Smriti. Both Shruti and Smriti can be represented as a continuum, with some texts more canonical than others
Q.28 Vedic (Shrauta) yajnas are typically performed by four priests of the Vedic priesthood: the hotar, the adhvaryu, the udgatar and the Brahmin. What are their respective roles?
1. The Hotri recites invocations and litanies drawn from the Rigveda.
2. The Udgatri is the superintendent of the entire performance.
3. The Brahmin is responsible for building the altar explained in the Yajurveda.
4. The Adhvaryu chants the introductory, accompanying and benediction hymns.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: (a)
Justification: The functions associated with the priests were:
The Adhvaryu is the priest's assistant and is in charge of the physical details of the ritual like measuring the ground, building the altar explained in the Yajurveda. The adhvaryu offers oblations.
The Udgatri is the chanter of hymns set to melodies and music (sāman) drawn from the Samaveda. The udgatar, like the hotar, chants the introductory, accompanying and benediction hymns.
The Brahmin is the superintendent of the entire performance, and is responsible for correcting mistakes by means of supplementary verses.
The Hotri recites invocations and litanies drawn from the Rigveda.
Q.29 Consider the following with reference to the ‘Painted Grey Ware’.
1. PGW is a predecessor of the Black and red ware culture.
2. These were high quality metalworks produced by local craftsmen.
3. PGW culture is associated with both village and town settlements.
4. PGW sites can be found in Ganges-Basin.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 2 only
Solution: (c)
Justification: Statement 1 and 2: The Painted Grey Ware culture (PGW) is an Iron Age culture of the Gangetic plain and the Ghaggar-Hakra valley, lasting from roughly 1200 BCE to 600 BCE.
It is contemporary to, and a successor of the Black and red ware culture.
These were high quality earthenware.
Statement 3: Characterized by a style of fine, grey pottery painted with geometric patterns in black,
this culture is associated with village and town settlements (but without large cities like those of the Harappans), domesticated horses, ivory-working, and the advent of iron metallurgy
Statement 4: While the main concentration of sites is in Indian Punjab, Haryana, north-eastern Rajasthan and the upper Ganges-Jamuna basin in Uttar Pradesh, the occurrence of some sites has been reported from as far west as in Sind and Harappa in southern Punjab, both in Pakistan.
Q.30 The Baudhayana sutras are a group of Vedic Sanskrit texts which cover
1. Statecraft
2. Dharma
3. Daily ritual
4. Mathematics
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: (b)
Justification: These sutras belong to the Taittiriya branch of the Krishna Yajurveda school and are among the earliest texts of the sutra genre, perhaps compiled in the 8th to 7th centuries BCE.
It contains dharma, daily ritual, mathematics, etc.
The Baudhayana sutras consist of six texts: For e.g. Sulbasutra is noted for containing several early mathematical results, including an approximation of the square root of 2 and the statement of a version of the Pythagorean theorem.
Q.31 With reference to the Vedic civilization, Rajasuya, Asvamedha and Vajpeya were
(a) Rituals and sacrifices performed by the King to strengthen his position
(b) Mercenary army contingents that were owned by the local landlords
(c) Land tax imposed on areas inside the jurisdiction of the Empire
(d) Body of officials who maintained a record of the extent of empire, its defeats and successions
Solution: (a)
Context: Larger kingdoms were formed during the later Vedic period as many jana or tribes were amalgamated to form janapadas or rashtras in the later Vedic period.
Hence the royal power had increased along with the increase in the size of kingdom.
Learning: So, the king performed various rituals and sacrifices to strengthen his position. They include Rajasuya (consecration ceremony), Asvamedha (horse sacrifice) and Vajpeya (chariot race). The kings also assumed titles like Rajavisvajanan, Ahilabhuvanapathi, (lord of all earth), Ekrat and Samrat (sole ruler) to showcase his power.
Q.32 The river(s) that do NOT find mention in Rigveda is?
(a) Ganga and Yamuna
(b) Indus and its other tributaries
(c) Saraswati
(d) All of the above find mention.
Solution: (d)
Learning: Option B: There is a hymn in the form of a dialogue between sage Vishvamitra, and two rivers, (Beas and Sutlej) that were worshipped as goddesses.
Option C: The most prominent river of the Rigveda is the Sarasvati, next to the Indus. Option A: The Ganga and Yamuna are named only once.
Q.33 The credit of bringing the upper Ganges - Jamuna valley under large-scale cultivation goes to the Painted Grey Ware people. They could achieve this mainly because of
1. Their iron technology
2. The exclusion of resource intensive rice from the basket of crops
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None
Solution: (a)
Justification: Statement 1: They cleared the heavy jungle with the help of iron axes. Of the ploughshare no example has so far been found from this period, though the subsequent period has yielded examples.
Statement 2: The excavations at Hastinapura brought to light the remains of rice.
Q.34 The Vajapeya sacrifice lays down some rituals. Consider the following about it with refence to the early Vedic period.
1. These rituals are to be followed in chariot races.
2. The Vajapeya was the most important political ritual of the time, even greater than the Rajasuya.
3. Under the sacrifice, oblations were offered by the king to the Ratnins who were the important courtiers and officials.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: (a)
Answer Justification :
Justification: Under the Vajapeya sacrifice, the king was expected to win the chariot race and was then proclaimed and installed to the high office.
It is however important to note that in the Vedic period the Väjapeya was of lesser political importance than the Räjasüya.
In the later Vedic period the Väjapeya however obtained the higher rank than the Rajasuya because it was believed that by performing the former, one secures the imperial position, while by performing the latter, one attains to mere royalty.
Another important feature of the sacrifice was the Ratnin oblations, which were offered by the king to the Ratnins, (important courtiers and officials) by repairing to their houses.
In the epic period, the royal oath formed an important part in the coronation ceremony.
(a) Big land-owner or big farmer involved in farming and trade
(b) Householders who made regular donations to religious sects
(c) Preserver of the law and order in social congregations such as festivals
(d) The priest who performed daily rituals for the royal household
Solution: (a)
Learning: The institutional development within the oligarchies of Vedic societies suggests a stabilized agrarian economy. In such a stable economy, there existed a hierarchy based on land ownership and distribution.
Sources mention wealthy householders (gahapatis) employing slaves and hired labourers to work on their lands. The existence of gahapatis suggests the breaking up of clan ownership of land and the emergence of individual holdings.
In the Pali canon, various Pali words have been translated into the English word "householder", including agārika, gahapati, gahattha and gihi
Q.25 Consider the following statements about the Rig Vedic society.
1. The Rig Vedic society was matriarchal.
2. Women were allowed to participate in literary activities.
3. The basic unit of society was the family whose head was called as Gahapati.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: (b)
Justification: We have had poets like Apala, Viswavara, Ghosa and Lopmudra during the Rig Vedic period.
Women could even attend the popular assemblies. There was no child marriage and the practice of sati was absent.
However, the society was patriarchal. The basic unit of society was family or graham. The head of the family was known as grahapathi.
Monogamy was generally practiced while polygamy was prevalent among the royal and noble families. The wife took care of the household and participated in all the major ceremonies
Q.26 The basic material or mantra text of each of the Vedas is called
(a) Samhita
(b) Brahmanas
(c) Aranyakas
(d) Paujanas
Solution: (a)
Learning: Samhita literally means "put together, joined, union", "collection", and "a methodically, rule-based combination of text or verses".
Samhita also refers to the most ancient layer of text in the Vedas, consisting of mantras, hymns, prayers, litanies and benedictions.
Parts of Vedic Samhitas constitute the oldest living part of Hindu tradition
Some post Vedic texts are also known as “Samhitas” such as Ashtavakra Gita, Bhrigu Samhita, Brahma Samhita, Deva Samhita, Garga Samhita, Kashyap Samhita, Shiva Samhita and Yogayajnavalkya Samhita.
Q.27 The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories viz. Shruti and Smriti. What is the difference between them?
1. Shruti is considered eternal whereas Smriti is subject to change.
2. Smriti philosophy stands in direct opposition or contrast to Shruti philosophy.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None
Solution: (a)
Justification: Shruti describes the sacred texts comprising the central canon of Hinduism viz. Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, & Upanishads.
Smiriti literally means “that which is remembered,” and it is entire body of the post Vedic
Classical Sanskrit literature. It comprises Vedanga, Shad darsana, Puranas, Itihasa, Upveda, Tantras, Agamas, Upangs. There is another post Vedic class of Sanskrit literature called Epics which includes Ramayana and Mahabharta.
Shruti is “that which has been heard” and is canonical, consisting of revelation and unquestionable truth, and is considered eternal. It refers mainly to the Vedas themselves.
Smriti is “that which has been remembered” supplementary and may change over time. It is authoritative only to the extent that it conforms to the bedrock of Shruti.
However, there is not a distinct divide between Shruti and Smriti. Both Shruti and Smriti can be represented as a continuum, with some texts more canonical than others
Q.28 Vedic (Shrauta) yajnas are typically performed by four priests of the Vedic priesthood: the hotar, the adhvaryu, the udgatar and the Brahmin. What are their respective roles?
1. The Hotri recites invocations and litanies drawn from the Rigveda.
2. The Udgatri is the superintendent of the entire performance.
3. The Brahmin is responsible for building the altar explained in the Yajurveda.
4. The Adhvaryu chants the introductory, accompanying and benediction hymns.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: (a)
Justification: The functions associated with the priests were:
The Adhvaryu is the priest's assistant and is in charge of the physical details of the ritual like measuring the ground, building the altar explained in the Yajurveda. The adhvaryu offers oblations.
The Udgatri is the chanter of hymns set to melodies and music (sāman) drawn from the Samaveda. The udgatar, like the hotar, chants the introductory, accompanying and benediction hymns.
The Brahmin is the superintendent of the entire performance, and is responsible for correcting mistakes by means of supplementary verses.
The Hotri recites invocations and litanies drawn from the Rigveda.
Q.29 Consider the following with reference to the ‘Painted Grey Ware’.
1. PGW is a predecessor of the Black and red ware culture.
2. These were high quality metalworks produced by local craftsmen.
3. PGW culture is associated with both village and town settlements.
4. PGW sites can be found in Ganges-Basin.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 2 only
Solution: (c)
Justification: Statement 1 and 2: The Painted Grey Ware culture (PGW) is an Iron Age culture of the Gangetic plain and the Ghaggar-Hakra valley, lasting from roughly 1200 BCE to 600 BCE.
It is contemporary to, and a successor of the Black and red ware culture.
These were high quality earthenware.
Statement 3: Characterized by a style of fine, grey pottery painted with geometric patterns in black,
this culture is associated with village and town settlements (but without large cities like those of the Harappans), domesticated horses, ivory-working, and the advent of iron metallurgy
Statement 4: While the main concentration of sites is in Indian Punjab, Haryana, north-eastern Rajasthan and the upper Ganges-Jamuna basin in Uttar Pradesh, the occurrence of some sites has been reported from as far west as in Sind and Harappa in southern Punjab, both in Pakistan.
Q.30 The Baudhayana sutras are a group of Vedic Sanskrit texts which cover
1. Statecraft
2. Dharma
3. Daily ritual
4. Mathematics
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: (b)
Justification: These sutras belong to the Taittiriya branch of the Krishna Yajurveda school and are among the earliest texts of the sutra genre, perhaps compiled in the 8th to 7th centuries BCE.
It contains dharma, daily ritual, mathematics, etc.
The Baudhayana sutras consist of six texts: For e.g. Sulbasutra is noted for containing several early mathematical results, including an approximation of the square root of 2 and the statement of a version of the Pythagorean theorem.
Q.31 With reference to the Vedic civilization, Rajasuya, Asvamedha and Vajpeya were
(a) Rituals and sacrifices performed by the King to strengthen his position
(b) Mercenary army contingents that were owned by the local landlords
(c) Land tax imposed on areas inside the jurisdiction of the Empire
(d) Body of officials who maintained a record of the extent of empire, its defeats and successions
Solution: (a)
Context: Larger kingdoms were formed during the later Vedic period as many jana or tribes were amalgamated to form janapadas or rashtras in the later Vedic period.
Hence the royal power had increased along with the increase in the size of kingdom.
Learning: So, the king performed various rituals and sacrifices to strengthen his position. They include Rajasuya (consecration ceremony), Asvamedha (horse sacrifice) and Vajpeya (chariot race). The kings also assumed titles like Rajavisvajanan, Ahilabhuvanapathi, (lord of all earth), Ekrat and Samrat (sole ruler) to showcase his power.
Q.32 The river(s) that do NOT find mention in Rigveda is?
(a) Ganga and Yamuna
(b) Indus and its other tributaries
(c) Saraswati
(d) All of the above find mention.
Solution: (d)
Learning: Option B: There is a hymn in the form of a dialogue between sage Vishvamitra, and two rivers, (Beas and Sutlej) that were worshipped as goddesses.
Option C: The most prominent river of the Rigveda is the Sarasvati, next to the Indus. Option A: The Ganga and Yamuna are named only once.
Q.33 The credit of bringing the upper Ganges - Jamuna valley under large-scale cultivation goes to the Painted Grey Ware people. They could achieve this mainly because of
1. Their iron technology
2. The exclusion of resource intensive rice from the basket of crops
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None
Solution: (a)
Justification: Statement 1: They cleared the heavy jungle with the help of iron axes. Of the ploughshare no example has so far been found from this period, though the subsequent period has yielded examples.
Statement 2: The excavations at Hastinapura brought to light the remains of rice.
Q.34 The Vajapeya sacrifice lays down some rituals. Consider the following about it with refence to the early Vedic period.
1. These rituals are to be followed in chariot races.
2. The Vajapeya was the most important political ritual of the time, even greater than the Rajasuya.
3. Under the sacrifice, oblations were offered by the king to the Ratnins who were the important courtiers and officials.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: (a)
Answer Justification :
Justification: Under the Vajapeya sacrifice, the king was expected to win the chariot race and was then proclaimed and installed to the high office.
It is however important to note that in the Vedic period the Väjapeya was of lesser political importance than the Räjasüya.
In the later Vedic period the Väjapeya however obtained the higher rank than the Rajasuya because it was believed that by performing the former, one secures the imperial position, while by performing the latter, one attains to mere royalty.
Another important feature of the sacrifice was the Ratnin oblations, which were offered by the king to the Ratnins, (important courtiers and officials) by repairing to their houses.
In the epic period, the royal oath formed an important part in the coronation ceremony.
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