Vedic Age and Vedic Culture MCQ: 30 Questions for Competitive Exam Preparation in Indian History

The Vedic Age marks one of the most fascinating periods in Indian history. It spans roughly from 1500 BCE to 600 BCE and laid the foundation of Indian civilization as we know it today. This era derives its name from the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. The Vedic period is broadly divided into two phases — the Early Vedic Period (Rigvedic Period) and the Later Vedic Period. During this time, the Aryans migrated to the Indian subcontinent and established a unique social, political, and religious framework. The caste system, yajna rituals, pastoral economy, and philosophical traditions all trace their origins to this age.

For aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, state PSCs, and other competitive examinations, the Vedic Age remains a frequently tested topic. This blog presents 30 well-researched MCQs to help you test and strengthen your knowledge of Vedic history and culture.

30 MCQs on Vedic Age and Vedic Culture – Indian History

Q1. Which of the following is the oldest Veda?
a) Yajurveda
b) Samaveda
c) Rigveda
d) Atharvaveda

Q2. The term “Aryan” originally referred to which of the following?
a) A racial group
b) A noble or cultured person
c) A warrior class
d) A priestly class

Q3. The Early Vedic Period is also known as:
a) Epic Age
b) Rigvedic Period
c) Sutra Period
d) Brahmana Period

Q4. Which river is most frequently mentioned in the Rigveda?
a) Ganga
b) Yamuna
c) Sindhu (Indus)
d) Saraswati

Q5. The term “Saptasindhu” mentioned in the Rigveda refers to:
a) Seven sages
b) Seven rivers
c) Seven kingdoms
d) Seven sacrifices

Q6. The family unit in the Rigvedic society was called:
a) Jana
b) Vis
c) Grama
d) Kula

Q7. Which assembly in the Rigvedic period was exclusively meant for elite members and the king?
a) Sabha
b) Samiti
c) Vidhata
d) Gana

Q8. The main occupation of the Rigvedic Aryans was:
a) Agriculture
b) Trade
c) Cattle rearing
d) Weaving

Q9. “Gavishti” in the Rigvedic period means:
a) A type of sacrifice
b) Search for cows (war)
c) A religious hymn
d) A tribal assembly

Q10. The word “Gotra” was first used in which Veda?
a) Samaveda
b) Atharvaveda
c) Rigveda
d) Yajurveda

Q11. Which of the following Vedas contains charms, spells, and magical formulas?
a) Rigveda
b) Yajurveda
c) Samaveda
d) Atharvaveda

Q12. The famous “Gayatri Mantra” is found in which Veda?
a) Yajurveda
b) Rigveda
c) Samaveda
d) Atharvaveda

Q13. The “Battle of Ten Kings” (Dasarajna) is mentioned in which text?
a) Yajurveda
b) Atharvaveda
c) Rigveda
d) Samaveda

Q14. Who was the king associated with the Battle of Ten Kings?
a) Divodasa
b) Sudas
c) Bharata
d) Trasadasyu

Q15. Which of the following was NOT a god worshipped during the Rigvedic period?
a) Indra
b) Agni
c) Shiva
d) Varuna

Q16. In the Later Vedic Period, which metal was commonly used?
a) Gold
b) Copper
c) Iron
d) Bronze

Q17. The Painted Grey Ware (PGW) pottery is associated with which period?
a) Indus Valley Civilization
b) Early Vedic Period
c) Later Vedic Period
d) Mauryan Period

Q18. Which of the following taxes was collected from the people during the Vedic Age?
a) Bhaga
b) Kara
c) Shulka
d) Bali

Q19. The four-fold Varna system is mentioned for the first time in which hymn of the Rigveda?
a) Nasadiya Sukta
b) Purusha Sukta
c) Agni Sukta
d) Usha Sukta

Q20. The concept of “Rta” in the Vedic age refers to:
a) Cosmic order
b) A type of sacrifice
c) Military strategy
d) Agricultural practice

Q21. Which Upanishad mentions the doctrine of transmigration of the soul?
a) Isha Upanishad
b) Kena Upanishad
c) Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
d) Mundaka Upanishad

Q22. The word “Upanishad” literally means:
a) To sit down near
b) To pray together
c) To worship fire
d) To recite hymns

Q23. The Later Vedic society saw the rise of which two dominant Varnas?
a) Kshatriyas and Vaishyas
b) Brahmins and Kshatriyas
c) Vaishyas and Shudras
d) Brahmins and Vaishyas

Q24. Which Veda is known as the “Book of Melodies” or “Book of Songs”?
a) Rigveda
b) Yajurveda
c) Samaveda
d) Atharvaveda

Q25. The term “Aghanya” mentioned in the Rigveda refers to:
a) A type of grain
b) Cow (not to be killed)
c) Horse sacrifice
d) Fire altar

Q26. The Rigvedic god Indra was primarily associated with:
a) Fire
b) Wind
c) Rain and thunder
d) Sun

Q27. The “Ashvamedha Yajna” was performed to:
a) Worship the fire god
b) Establish political supremacy
c) Ensure good harvest
d) Worship ancestors

Q28. Which of the following texts is classified as a Brahmana text?
a) Aitareya Brahmana
b) Chandogya Upanishad
c) Kalpa Sutra
d) Rigveda Samhita

Q29. The iron in the Later Vedic texts was referred to as:
a) Ayas
b) Shyama Ayas
c) Lohit Ayas
d) Tamra

Q30. Which of the following women scholars is mentioned in Vedic literature?
a) Maitreyi
b) Sita
c) Draupadi
d) Kunti

Correct Answers

Conclusion

The Vedic Age shaped the religious, social, and political fabric of ancient India. From the hymns of the Rigveda to the philosophical depth of the Upanishads, this period has left an everlasting imprint on Indian civilization.

For competitive exam aspirants, a strong grasp of Vedic history can make a real difference in scoring well. The MCQs presented above cover the major aspects of both the Early and Later Vedic periods. Topics like Vedic literature, social organization, political institutions, religious practices, and economic life have been addressed.

Regular practice with such questions will help you recall facts quickly during examinations. Bookmark this page and revise it often. We recommend studying the original NCERT texts alongside these questions for a well-rounded preparation strategy.