Indus Valley MCQs

Q11. In the Later Vedic Age (1000–600 BCE), the nature of society and economy gradually transformed into:

(A) Nomadic
(B) Urban
(C) Agrarian
(D) Tribal
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Correct Answer: (C) Agrarian
Notes: In the Later Vedic period, society shifted from pastoral to agrarian. Agriculture became the main occupation due to the use of iron tools and settled life, leading to surplus production and the growth of villages and kingdoms.

Q12. During the Later Vedic Age, the Varna system became more:

(A) Flexible
(B) Rigid
(C) Abolished
(D) Optional
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Correct Answer: (B) Rigid
Notes: In the Later Vedic period, the Varna system became birth-based and rigid. Social mobility declined, and divisions between Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras became more hierarchical and strictly enforced.

Q13. Which category of Vedic literature provides detailed explanations of rituals, sacrifices (Yajna), and priestly duties in the Later Vedic period?

(A) Aranyakas
(B) Brahmanas
(C) Upanishads
(D) Samhitas
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Correct Answer: (B) Brahmanas
Notes: The Brahmanas are prose texts attached to the Vedas that explain sacrificial rituals, ceremonies, and duties of priests, forming the main source for understanding Vedic religious practices.

Q14. Philosophical ideas like Karma and Moksha are mainly found in:

(A) Vedas
(B) Brahmanas
(C) Upanishads
(D) Epics
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Correct Answer: (C) Upanishads
Notes: The Upanishads focus on spiritual and philosophical ideas. They elaborate concepts like Karma, Atman, Brahman, and Moksha, marking a shift from ritualism to deep philosophical inquiry in the Later Vedic Age.

Q15. In the Later Vedic Age, the authority and power of the king increased mainly due to the performance of:

(A) Sabha
(B) Samiti
(C) Sacrifices
(D) Trade
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Correct Answer: (C) Sacrifices
Notes: Royal rituals like Rajasuya and Ashvamedha enhanced the king’s status and legitimacy. These grand sacrifices, described in the Brahmanas, strengthened political authority and established the king as supreme ruler.

Q16. Which Vedic sacrifice was performed by kings to establish and proclaim their universal sovereignty over other rulers?

(A) Ashvamedha
(B) Rajasuya
(C) Vajapeya
(D) Agnihotra
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Correct Answer: (A) Ashvamedha
Notes: The Ashvamedha was a grand royal sacrifice symbolizing supreme political authority. A horse was released to roam freely, and its unchallenged movement signified the king’s dominance and claim to universal sovereignty.

Q17. In the Vedic period, the term “Grama” was used to denote which basic unit of settlement?

(A) Kingdom
(B) Village
(C) Tribe
(D) Army
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Correct Answer: (B) Village
Notes: The term Grama referred to a village, the smallest unit of settlement in Vedic society. It consisted of several families and was administered by a headman called Gramani, forming the foundation of rural life.

Q18. During which period of Vedic history was iron introduced, leading to significant improvements in agriculture and settlement patterns?

(A) Early Vedic
(B) Later Vedic
(C) Mauryan
(D) Gupta
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Correct Answer: (B) Later Vedic
Notes: Iron technology appeared in the Later Vedic Age (c. 1000–600 BCE). Iron tools like ploughs enhanced agricultural productivity, enabling expansion of cultivated land, surplus production, and the growth of villages and kingdoms.

Q19. In the Later Vedic Age, which animal came to be considered sacred and was generally not consumed as food?

(A) Cow
(B) Goat
(C) Sheep
(D) Horse
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Correct Answer: (A) Cow
Notes: During the Later Vedic period, the cow gained a sacred status in society. While goats, sheep, and horses were consumed, cows were protected and became central to rituals, economy, and religious symbolism.

Q20. In the Later Vedic Age, what was the term used for the largest political unit or territory that included several tribes or villages?

(A) Jana
(B) Vish
(C) Rashtra
(D) Grama
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Correct Answer: (C) Rashtra
Notes: Rashtra was the largest political unit in Later Vedic society, encompassing multiple tribes (Janas) and villages (Gramas). It marked the emergence of larger territorial kingdoms, moving beyond small tribal chiefdoms.

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