Class 11 History Chapter 2: Vedic Civilization
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Explanations:
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Which ancient Indian scriptures are associated with the Vedic Civilization?
- a) Ramayana and Mahabharata
- b) Upanishads and Puranas
- c) Rigveda and Atharvaveda
- d) Manusmriti and Arthashastra
Answer: c) Rigveda and Atharvaveda
Explanation: The Rigveda and Atharvaveda are among the oldest scriptures of ancient India, containing hymns, rituals, and philosophical insights associated with the Vedic period.
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What were the social divisions based on in the Vedic society?
- a) Wealth
- b) Caste
- c) Occupation
- d) Birth
Answer: d) Birth
Explanation: The Vedic society was stratified based on birth, with social divisions primarily determined by one's lineage and family background.
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Who were the priests responsible for performing rituals and maintaining religious traditions in the Vedic period?
- a) Kshatriyas
- b) Brahmins
- c) Vaishyas
- d) Shudras
Answer: b) Brahmins
Explanation: Brahmins were the priestly class in the Vedic society, entrusted with conducting rituals, reciting hymns, and preserving sacred knowledge.
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What was the primary occupation of the majority of people in the Vedic period?
- a) Agriculture
- b) Trade
- c) Animal husbandry
- d) Hunting and gathering
Answer: a) Agriculture
Explanation: Agriculture was the primary occupation of the Vedic people, with farming activities such as cultivation of crops and rearing of livestock forming the backbone of the economy.
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Which deity was worshipped as the god of fire in the Vedic religion?
- a) Agni
- b) Indra
- c) Varuna
- d) Surya
Answer: a) Agni
Explanation: Agni, the god of fire, held a central place in Vedic rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing purification, transformation, and the intermediary between humans and the gods.
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What term is used to describe the hymns composed by sages in praise of various deities in the Vedic texts?
- a) Upanishads
- b) Puranas
- c) Vedas
- d) Shlokas
Answer: c) Vedas
Explanation: The Vedas consist of hymns composed by ancient sages known as rishis, praising different deities and embodying the spiritual and philosophical essence of the Vedic civilization.
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Which river valley is associated with the early Vedic period?
- a) Ganges
- b) Yamuna
- c) Saraswati
- d) Narmada
Answer: c) Saraswati
Explanation: The Saraswati River valley is believed to have been the primary region of settlement during the early Vedic period, as mentioned in Vedic texts and later historical accounts.
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Who was considered the chief deity and king of the gods in the Vedic pantheon?
- a) Agni
- b) Varuna
- c) Indra
- d) Vishnu
Answer: c) Indra
Explanation: Indra was revered as the chief deity and the king of the gods in the Vedic pantheon, associated with thunder, rain, and warfare.
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Which Vedic text contains hymns dedicated to agricultural deities and fertility rituals?
- a) Rigveda
- b) Samaveda
- c) Yajurveda
- d) Atharvaveda
Answer: d) Atharvaveda
Explanation: The Atharvaveda contains hymns and verses related to agricultural deities, fertility rituals, and magical incantations, reflecting the socio-economic concerns and religious practices of the Vedic people.
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What was the term used to describe the ritual of offering oblations to sacred fires in the Vedic religion?
- a) Yajna
- b) Puja
- c) Havan
- d) Homam
Answer: a) Yajna
Explanation: Yajna, also known as sacrifice, was a central ritual in the Vedic religion, involving the offering of oblations to sacred fires accompanied by chanting of hymns and mantras.
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Who composed the hymns of the Rigveda?
- a) Vyasa
- b) Valmiki
- c) Vashishta
- d) Various sages (Rishis)
Answer: d) Various sages (Rishis)
Explanation: The hymns of the Rigveda were composed by various sages, also known as rishis, over centuries, reflecting diverse perspectives and spiritual insights.
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Which animal was commonly sacrificed in Vedic rituals?
- a) Cow
- b) Horse
- c) Elephant
- d) Goat
Answer: b) Horse
Explanation: Horses were commonly sacrificed in Vedic rituals, especially during important ceremonies such as the Ashvamedha Yajna, symbolizing power, strength, and prosperity.
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What term is used to describe the social and religious law books of the Vedic period?
- a) Smritis
- b) Vedangas
- c) Aranyakas
- d) Grihya Sutras
Answer: a) Smritis
Explanation: Smritis are the social and religious law books of the Vedic period, providing guidelines for personal conduct, social organization, and religious rituals.
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Which Vedic god is associated with the creation and preservation of the universe?
- a) Vishnu
- b) Brahma
- c) Shiva
- d) Durga
Answer: a) Vishnu
Explanation: Vishnu is often depicted as the preserver and protector of the universe in Vedic mythology, responsible for maintaining cosmic order and balance.
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What was the primary mode of transportation in the Vedic period?
- a) Chariots
- b) Elephants
- c) Horses
- d) Boats
Answer: a) Chariots
Explanation: Chariots were the primary mode of transportation and warfare in the Vedic period, serving as symbols of status and power among