1Which of the following is considered the oldest text among the Vedas?
A.Samaveda
B.Yajurveda
C.Rig Veda
D.Atharvaveda
Correct Answer: Rig Veda
Explanation:The Rig Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas and is a collection of 1,028 hymns dedicated to various deities, dating back to c. 1500–1000 BCE.
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2In the Rig Vedic period, the term 'Gavisthi' was used to denote:
A.A search for cows (War)
B.A religious sacrifice
C.An assembly of elders
D.Agricultural land
Correct Answer: A search for cows (War)
Explanation:In the early Vedic society, cows were the most important form of wealth. Wars were often fought for the sake of cows, and the term Gavisthi (search for cows) became a synonym for war.
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3Which river is referred to as 'Naditarna' (the best of rivers) in the Rig Veda?
A.Ganga
B.Indus (Sindhu)
C.Saraswati
D.Brahmaputra
Correct Answer: Saraswati
Explanation:The Saraswati is the most revered river in the Rig Veda and is addressed as Matetama (best of mothers), Devitama (best of goddesses), and Naditarna (best of rivers).
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4The famous 'Battle of Ten Kings' (Dasarajna) was fought on the banks of which river?
A.Parushni (Ravi)
B.Shutudri (Sutlej)
C.Asikni (Chenab)
D.Vitasta (Jhelum)
Correct Answer: Parushni (Ravi)
Explanation:The Battle of Ten Kings was a major conflict mentioned in the Rig Veda, fought between the Bharata king Sudas and a confederacy of ten tribes on the banks of the Parushni (Ravi) river.
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5Which Vedic assembly was described as an assembly of elders and elites?
A.Samiti
B.Sabha
C.Vidatha
D.Gana
Correct Answer: Sabha
Explanation:The Sabha was a smaller assembly of elders and elites, serving judicial functions, whereas the Samiti was a larger folk assembly involving the common people.
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6The 'Gayatri Mantra' is contained in which Mandala of the Rig Veda?
A.First Mandala
B.Third Mandala
C.Seventh Mandala
D.Tenth Mandala
Correct Answer: Third Mandala
Explanation:The famous Gayatri Mantra, addressed to the solar deity Savitr, is found in the Third Mandala of the Rig Veda and is attributed to Sage Vishvamitra.
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7Which of the following Vedas is primarily a collection of melodies and chants for sacrifices?
A.Rig Veda
B.Samaveda
C.Yajurveda
D.Atharvaveda
Correct Answer: Samaveda
Explanation:The Samaveda (Book of Chants) consists of hymns taken from the Rig Veda set to music. It is considered the origin of Indian classical music.
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8The 'Purusha Sukta', which mentions the fourfold Varna system for the first time, is found in:
A.Rig Veda (Mandala 10)
B.Atharvaveda
C.Shatapatha Brahmana
D.Mundaka Upanishad
Correct Answer: Rig Veda (Mandala 10)
Explanation:The Purusha Sukta is a hymn in the 10th Mandala of the Rig Veda that describes the origin of the four Varnas (Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras) from the body of the cosmic being (Purusha).
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9Which Later Vedic text contains the dictum 'Satyameva Jayate'?
A.Katha Upanishad
B.Chandogya Upanishad
C.Mundaka Upanishad
D.Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Correct Answer: Mundaka Upanishad
Explanation:The national motto of India, 'Satyameva Jayate' (Truth alone triumphs), is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.
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10The 'Painted Grey Ware' (PGW) culture is primarily associated with which period?
A.Harappan Period
B.Early Vedic Period
C.Later Vedic Period
D.Mauryan Period
Correct Answer: Later Vedic Period
Explanation:The Later Vedic Period (c. 1000–600 BCE) is archaeologically associated with the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture, particularly in the Ganga-Yamuna doab region.
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11In the Later Vedic period, the term 'Rashtra', indicating a territory, first appeared. Which official was known as the collector of taxes?
A.Sangrahitri
B.Bhagadugha
C.Akshavapa
D.Suta
Correct Answer: Bhagadugha
Explanation:The Bhagadugha was the official responsible for the collection of taxes (Bhaga) and depositing them in the royal treasury during the Later Vedic period.
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12Which deity became the supreme god (Prajasrup/Creator) in the Later Vedic pantheon, replacing Indra and Agni?
A.Vishnu
B.Prajapati
C.Rudra
D.Varuna
Correct Answer: Prajapati
Explanation:In the Later Vedic period, the importance of Rig Vedic gods like Indra and Agni declined, and Prajapati (the Creator) became the supreme deity.
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13The philosophical essence of the Vedas, focusing on Atman and Brahman, is found in the:
A.Aranyakas
B.Brahmanas
C.Upanishads
D.Samhitas
Correct Answer: Upanishads
Explanation:The Upanishads (also called Vedanta) represent the philosophical culmination of Vedic thought, focusing on spiritual knowledge, the nature of the self (Atman), and the ultimate reality (Brahman).
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14In the Vedic context, 'Vrihi' refers to:
A.Wheat
B.Barley
C.Rice
D.Maize
Correct Answer: Rice
Explanation:In Vedic texts, Vrihi refers to rice, which became a staple crop in the Later Vedic period, unlike the Early Vedic period where Yava (Barley) was dominant.
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15Which of the following is NOT one of the six Vedangas?
A.Shiksha (Phonetics)
B.Kalpa (Ritual)
C.Nirukta (Etymology)
D.Smriti (Memory)
Correct Answer: Smriti (Memory)
Explanation:The six Vedangas are Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarna, Nirukta, Chhanda, and Jyotisha. Smriti is a category of texts, not a specific limb of the Vedas (Vedanga).
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16The conversation between Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi regarding the nature of the soul is found in which Upanishad?
A.Kena Upanishad
B.Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
C.Taittiriya Upanishad
D.Aitareya Upanishad
Correct Answer: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Explanation:The philosophical dialogue between Sage Yajnavalkya and his wife Maitreyi is a famous section of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
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17Which metal was known as 'Shyama Ayas' or 'Krishna Ayas' in the Later Vedic texts?
A.Copper
B.Gold
C.Iron
D.Silver
Correct Answer: Iron
Explanation:Iron was introduced in the Later Vedic period and was referred to as Shyama Ayas or Krishna Ayas (Black Metal), distinguishing it from copper/bronze (Lohit Ayas).
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18The 'Ashrama' system (stages of life) was clearly defined for the first time in the:
A.Jabala Upanishad
B.Rig Veda
C.Manu Smriti
D.Atharvaveda
Correct Answer: Jabala Upanishad
Explanation:The Jabala Upanishad gives the earliest clear reference to the four Ashramas: Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa.
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19In Vedic polity, the ritual 'Ashvamedha' was performed to:
A.Rejuvenate the king physically
B.Establish imperial sovereignty
C.Pray for rain
D.Celebrate the birth of a prince
Correct Answer: Establish imperial sovereignty
Explanation:The Ashvamedha (Horse Sacrifice) was a major ritual performed by kings to establish their unquestioned sovereignty over the territories where the sacrificial horse roamed freely.
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20The term 'Dvija' (twice-born) was reserved for which Varnas?
A.Brahmanas only
B.Brahmanas and Kshatriyas
C.Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas
D.All four Varnas
Correct Answer: Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas
Explanation:The top three Varnas—Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas—were entitled to the Upanayana (sacred thread) ceremony and Vedic studies, hence called Dvija (born again spiritually).
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21Gautama Buddha was born at Lumbini in which year (accepted by most historians)?
A.540 BCE
B.563 BCE
C.483 BCE
D.599 BCE
Correct Answer: 563 BCE
Explanation:Gautama Buddha is generally believed to have been born in 563 BCE in the Lumbini gardens near Kapilavastu.
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22The event of Buddha leaving his home in search of truth is known as:
A.Mahaparinirvana
B.Dharmachakrapravartana
C.Mahabhinishkramana
D.Sambodhi
Correct Answer: Mahabhinishkramana
Explanation:The Mahabhinishkramana (The Great Renunciation) refers to Prince Siddhartha leaving his palace, wife, and son to become an ascetic.
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23Buddha delivered his First Sermon at which place?
A.Bodh Gaya
B.Sarnath
C.Kushinagar
D.Rajgir
Correct Answer: Sarnath
Explanation:Buddha delivered his first sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath. This event is known as Dharmachakrapravartana (Turning of the Wheel of Law).
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24Which of the following is NOT one of the 'Three Jewels' (Triratna) of Buddhism?
A.Buddha
B.Dhamma
C.Sangha
D.Ahimsa
Correct Answer: Ahimsa
Explanation:The Three Jewels (Triratna) of Buddhism are the Buddha (the teacher), the Dhamma (the teaching), and the Sangha (the community). While Ahimsa is a value, it is not one of the Triratna.
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25The Buddhist scripture 'Vinaya Pitaka' primarily deals with:
A.Philosophical teachings
B.Sermons of Buddha
C.Rules of discipline for monks
D.Lives of Bodhisattvas
Correct Answer: Rules of discipline for monks
Explanation:The Vinaya Pitaka contains the rules of conduct and discipline for the monastic community (Sangha).
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26The Fourth Buddhist Council, which led to the division into Hinayana and Mahayana, was held under the patronage of:
A.Ashoka
B.Kanishka
C.Ajatashatru
D.Kalashoka
Correct Answer: Kanishka
Explanation:The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir (Kundalavana) during the reign of Kanishka, leading to the formal split into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.
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27In Buddhism, the concept of 'Nirvana' corresponds to:
A.Physical death
B.Extinction of desire and suffering
C.Union with God
D.Acquisition of supernatural powers
Correct Answer: Extinction of desire and suffering
Explanation:Nirvana represents the ultimate goal in Buddhism, signifying the blowing out or extinction of desire, hatred, and delusion, leading to the end of the cycle of rebirth.
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28What does the term 'Syadvada' in Jainism signify?
A.The theory of non-violence
B.The theory of relativity of knowledge (Maybe)
C.The practice of severe penance
D.The concept of godlessness
Correct Answer: The theory of relativity of knowledge (Maybe)
Explanation:Syadvada (the theory of 'maybe' or conditional predication) suggests that all judgments are conditional, holding good only in certain conditions, circumstances, or senses.
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29Who was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism?
A.Rishabhanatha
B.Parshvanatha
C.Mahavira
D.Neminatha
Correct Answer: Parshvanatha
Explanation:Parshvanatha was the 23rd Tirthankara. He lived about 250 years before Mahavira and propounded four vows, to which Mahavira added the fifth (Brahmacharya).
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30Mahavira attained 'Kaivalya' (Omniscience) at the age of 42 on the banks of which river?
A.Ganga
B.Rijupalika
C.Niranjana
D.Yamuna
Correct Answer: Rijupalika
Explanation:Vardhamana Mahavira attained Kaivalya (supreme knowledge) under a Sal tree on the banks of the river Rijupalika.
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31Which vow was added by Mahavira to the four vows of Parshvanatha?
A.Satya (Truth)
B.Ahimsa (Non-violence)
C.Aparigraha (Non-possession)
D.Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
Correct Answer: Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
Explanation:Mahavira added the fifth vow, Brahmacharya (Celibacy), to the existing four vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha) taught by Parshvanatha.
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32The sacred texts of the Jains are collectively known as:
A.Tripitaka
B.Agamas
C.Upanishads
D.Jatakas
Correct Answer: Agamas
Explanation:The canonical literature of Jainism is known as the Agamas (or Angas), which were compiled much later at the Council of Valabhi.
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33The 'Digambara' sect of Jainism believes in:
A.Wearing white clothes
B.Complete nudity (Sky-clad)
C.Worshipping Buddha alongside Tirthankaras
D.The authority of the Vedas
Correct Answer: Complete nudity (Sky-clad)
Explanation:The Digambara (Sky-clad) sect, led by Bhadrabahu, advocates complete nudity for monks as a symbol of freedom from all worldly bonds, unlike the Svetambaras (White-clad).
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34Which Mauryan ruler is famous for embracing Jainism and starving himself to death (Sallekhana) at Shravanabelagola?
A.Ashoka
B.Bindusara
C.Chandragupta Maurya
D.Brihadratha
Correct Answer: Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation:Chandragupta Maurya abdicated his throne, became a Jain monk under Bhadrabahu, and performed Sallekhana (ritual death by fasting) at Shravanabelagola.
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35The Jataka tales are associated with which religion?
A.Hinduism
B.Jainism
C.Buddhism
D.Ajivikas
Correct Answer: Buddhism
Explanation:The Jataka tales are a voluminous body of literature native to India concerning the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form.
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36What is the primary difference regarding the 'Soul' (Atman) between Buddhism and Jainism?
A.Both believe in a permanent soul.
B.Buddhism rejects the permanent soul (Anatta), while Jainism believes even inanimate objects have souls.
C.Jainism rejects the soul, while Buddhism accepts it.
D.Both reject the existence of the soul entirely.
Correct Answer: Buddhism rejects the permanent soul (Anatta), while Jainism believes even inanimate objects have souls.
Explanation:Buddhism proposes Anatta (no permanent self/soul), whereas Jainism believes in Jiva (soul) existing in all living and non-living things (animism).
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37The term 'Mahajanapadas' refers to the 16 great states that existed in the:
A.Early Vedic Period
B.6th Century BCE
C.Gupta Period
D.Harappan Period
Correct Answer: 6th Century BCE
Explanation:The Mahajanapadas were sixteen kingdoms or oligarchic republics that existed in Northern India from the 6th to 4th centuries BCE, coinciding with the rise of Buddhism and Jainism.
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38Which Buddhist text provides the list of the 16 Mahajanapadas?
A.Digha Nikaya
B.Anguttara Nikaya
C.Vinaya Pitaka
D.Abhidhamma Pitaka
Correct Answer: Anguttara Nikaya
Explanation:The Anguttara Nikaya, a part of the Sutta Pitaka, provides the canonical list of the sixteen Mahajanapadas.
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39Who was the founder of the Ajivika sect?
A.Makkkhali Gosala
B.Purana Kassapa
C.Ajita Kesakambalin
D.Pakudha Kaccayana
Correct Answer: Makkkhali Gosala
Explanation:Makkkhali Gosala was a contemporary of Mahavira and Buddha and founded the Ajivika sect, which believed in strict fatalism (Niyati).
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40The 'Boghaz-Koi' inscription (1400 BCE) in Asia Minor is significant because:
A.It mentions the name of Buddha.
B.It mentions Vedic gods Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Nasatyas.
C.It describes the Aryan invasion of India.
D.It contains the first written form of Sanskrit.
Correct Answer: It mentions Vedic gods Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and Nasatyas.
Explanation:The Boghaz-Koi inscription is crucial evidence for the Aryan migration theory as it invokes Vedic deities (Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Nasatyas) as witnesses to a treaty between the Hittites and Mittanis.
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41Which of the following refers to the 'Forest Books' intended for hermits?
A.Brahmanas
B.Samhitas
C.Aranyakas
D.Upavedas
Correct Answer: Aranyakas
Explanation:Aranyakas (Forest Books) act as a bridge between the ritualistic Brahmanas and the philosophical Upanishads, intended for study in the forest by hermits.
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42In the Rig Vedic period, the 'Dughitri' (daughter) literally meant:
A.One who weaves cloth
B.One who milks the cow
C.One who cooks food
D.One who fetches water
Correct Answer: One who milks the cow
Explanation:The word for daughter in the Rig Veda is Dughitri, which literally translates to 'one who milks the cow', highlighting the pastoral nature of the society.
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43Which symbol represents the Birth of Gautama Buddha?
A.Wheel
B.Stupa
C.Lotus and Bull
D.Bodhi Tree
Correct Answer: Lotus and Bull
Explanation:In Buddhist iconography, the Lotus and Bull represent the birth of Buddha. The Wheel represents the First Sermon, and the Stupa represents Mahaparinirvana.
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44The concept of 'Anekantavada' is a core theory of:
A.Buddhism
B.Jainism
C.Sankhya Philosophy
D.Ajivikas
Correct Answer: Jainism
Explanation:Anekantavada (doctrine of non-absolutism or many-sidedness) is a core Jain philosophical concept stating that truth and reality are complex and have multiple aspects.
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45During the Vedic period, the priest responsible for the manual performance of sacrifices was the:
A.Hotri
B.Udgatri
C.Adhvaryu
D.Brahma
Correct Answer: Adhvaryu
Explanation:The Adhvaryu was the priest responsible for the manual details of the sacrifice (yajña) and chanting the Yajurveda. The Hotri recited the Rig Veda, and the Udgatri chanted the Samaveda.
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46Which ancient Indian physician is associated with the Charaka Samhita?
A.Sushruta
B.Charaka
C.Dhanvantari
D.Jivaka
Correct Answer: Charaka
Explanation:Charaka is the author of the Charaka Samhita, a foundational text of Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine), believed to have been compiled around the Kushana period, though its roots are in the Vedic era.
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47The 'Sulva Sutras' are associated with the origins of which subject in India?
A.Astronomy
B.Geometry
C.Grammar
D.Medicine
Correct Answer: Geometry
Explanation:The Sulva Sutras represent the earliest mathematical texts in India, dealing with the measurement and construction of sacrificial altars, thus laying the foundation for Geometry.
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48The practice of 'Niyoga' in the Rig Vedic period referred to:
A.Child marriage
B.Widow remarriage to the husband's brother
C.Renunciation of life
D.Polyandry
Correct Answer: Widow remarriage to the husband's brother
Explanation:Niyoga was a practice where a childless widow could cohabit with her husband's brother solely for the purpose of conceiving an heir.
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49Which of the following was a Republican State (Gana-Sangha) during the time of Buddha?
A.Magadha
B.Kosala
C.Vajji
D.Avanti
Correct Answer: Vajji
Explanation:Vajji (with its capital at Vaishali) was a prominent Gana-Sangha or oligarchy/republic, distinct from the monarchies like Magadha and Kosala.
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50The Atharvaveda is primarily known for containing:
A.Hymns for gods
B.Musical notations
C.Charms, spells, and magical formulas
D.Philosophical dialogues
Correct Answer: Charms, spells, and magical formulas
Explanation:The Atharvaveda differs from the other three Vedas as it contains charms, spells, and magical formulas to ward off evils and diseases, reflecting the popular beliefs of the common people.
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