MCQs on Vedic Age, Mahajanpada Period: The Vedic Civilization, dating from around 1500 to 500 BCE, formed the early base of ancient Indian society through its religious literature, social framework, and initial political systems. This period is marked by the composition of the Vedas, the development of rituals, and the emergence of the varna-based social order. Later, during the Mahajanapada phase (approximately 600 to 300 BCE), sixteen major kingdoms and republican states developed, encouraging urban growth, expanding trade networks, and strengthening political administration in northern India. Around the same time, Jainism emerged as a reform movement under the guidance of Mahavira, promoting principles such as non-violence, truthfulness, self-discipline, and renunciation, which left a lasting impact on India’s moral and philosophical traditions. The MCQs provided in this section are designed to support systematic revision and help aspirants strengthen their preparation for competitive examinations.
Vedic Civilization, Mahajanpada Period and Jainism MCQs
1. Which Veda is mainly associated with musical chants and melodies?
A. Rigveda
B. Yajurveda
C. Samaveda
D. Atharvaveda
Answer: C
2. The explanation of difficult and obscure words of the Vedas is given in—
A. Kalpa
B. Chhanda
C. Nirukta
D. Vyakaran
Answer: C
3. The phrase “Satyameva Jayate” has been taken from—
A. Bhagavad Gita
B. Jataka Tales
C. Puranas
D. Mundaka Upanishad
Answer: D
4. The national motto of India originates from which text?
A. Rigveda
B. Mundakopanishad
C. Matsya Purana
D. Bhagavad Gita
Answer: B
5. The ritual of donating by weighing a person against goods or wealth is known as—
A. Pulikali
B. Jallikattu
C. Thimithi
D. Tulabhara
Answer: D
6. The Vedic period in India broadly extended from—
A. 550–323 BCE
B. 3000–2600 BCE
C. 1500–500 BCE
D. 336–323 BCE
Answer: C
7. Dhanurveda, the Upaveda of Yajurveda, deals with—
A. Medicine
B. Architecture
C. Music and arts
D. Warfare techniques
Answer: D
8. Knowledge related to music is mainly preserved in—
A. Atharvaveda
B. Rigveda
C. Yajurveda
D. Samaveda
Answer: D
9. Which of the following is regarded as the oldest Veda?
A. Yajurveda
B. Samaveda
C. Rigveda
D. Atharvaveda
Answer: C
10. Rigveda consists of how many hymns including the Valakhilya hymns?
A. 760
B. 1875
C. 1549
D. 1028
Answer: D
11. The total number of hymns in the Rigveda is—
A. 1014
B. 1020
C. 1028
D. 1035
Answer: C
12. Mundaka Upanishad is associated with—
A. Rig Veda
B. Yajur Veda
C. Sama Veda
D. Atharva Veda
Answer: D
13. Which is recognised as the fourth Veda?
A. Shilpaveda
B. Dhanurveda
C. Ayurveda
D. Atharvaveda
Answer: D
14. Spells, charms and magical practices are mainly discussed in—
A. Rigveda
B. Atharvaveda
C. Yajurveda
D. Samaveda
Answer: B
15. The term ‘Yajur’ in Yajurveda refers to—
A. Nature
B. Truth
C. Life
D. Sacrificial rituals
Answer: D
16. Which Veda contains references related to healing and treatment of diseases?
A. Samaveda
B. Rigveda
C. Yajurveda
D. Atharvaveda
Answer: D
17. The expression “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is found in—
A. Kenopanishad
B. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
C. Chhandogya Upanishad
D. Maha Upanishad
Answer: D
18. How many Upanishads are traditionally recognised, and how many are considered principal?
A. 99 total, 10 principal
B. 108 total, 11 principal
C. 100 total, 12 principal
D. 116 total, 22 principal
Answer: B
19. Which is regarded as the oldest Upanishad?
A. Mandukya
B. Isha
C. Kena
D. Chandogya
Answer: D
20. In the Kathopanishad, Nachiketa receives teachings from—
A. Lord Shiva
B. Lord Yama
C. Lord Ganesha
D. Lord Kartikeya
Answer: B
21. The capital city of Magadha during the early period was—
A. Ujjain
B. Kaushambi
C. Vaishali
D. Rajgir
Answer: D
22. Udayin shifted the capital of Magadha to Pataliputra from—
A. Taxila
B. Rajgir
C. Sarnath
D. Kaushambi
Answer: B
23. During the peak phase of Aryan culture, the Ganga valley was divided into—
A. 14 regions
B. 16 regions
C. 15 regions
D. 18 regions
Answer: C
24. Bimbisara was the ruler of which Mahajanapada?
A. Gandhara
B. Magadha
C. Mathura
D. Taxila
Answer: B
25. Which text emphasises philosophical discussions related to knowledge and self-realisation?
A. Upanishads
B. Brahmanas
C. Aranyakas
D. Samhitas
Answer: A