MCQs Based On Ancient History – (01)

Correct Option: 3. Rig Veda
Explanation: The Rig Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas and is regarded as one of the most important sacred texts in Hinduism. It contains hymns, or suktas, composed by ancient sages that address various aspects of life and the universe, including nature, creation, and divine entities. These hymns are thought to have been composed over 3,000 years ago. The Rig Veda is also considered the first testament of mankind and holds a special place as one of the “oldest surviving poetries,” with some hymns being among the earliest recorded philosophical and poetic expressions in human history.

Correct Option: 2. The four varnas (social classes)
Explanation: The Purushasukta hymn is a key part of the Rig Veda, specifically the 10th Mandala. It presents a metaphorical explanation for the origin of the varna system (the four-fold social classification) in Hindu society. According to this hymn, the Purusha (the cosmic being or primeval man) was sacrificed by the gods, and from his body, the four varnas emerged:
• Brahmins (priests) from his mouth,
• Kshatriyas (warriors) from his arms,
• Vaishyas (merchants) from his thighs,
• Shudras (servants) from his feet.
This hymn explains the creation of social roles and divisions, which became a central aspect of the ancient Indian social structure.

Correct Option: 3. Yajur Veda
Explanation: The Yajur Veda is primarily concerned with the performance of rituals, sacrifices, and prayers associated with yajnas (sacrificial ceremonies). It contains hymns and mantras specifically designed to be recited during rituals. Unlike the Rig Veda, which is more poetic and philosophical, the Yajur Veda provides detailed instructions on how to perform sacrificial rites. It is divided into two major branches:
• Krishna Yajurveda (the Black Yajurveda), which contains both hymns and prose explanations,
• Shukla Yajurveda (the White Yajurveda), which contains prose along with the hymns.
Both branches focus on the liturgical aspect of Vedic practice, guiding priests on how to conduct rituals.

Correct Option: 2. Sutta Pitaka
Explanation: The Sutta Pitaka is one of the three main sections of the Buddhist Tripitaka (the Three Baskets). It contains the recorded discourses (suttas) of the Buddha on various doctrinal and philosophical matters. These teachings were primarily delivered by the Buddha in the form of dialogues with his disciples, kings, and others. The Sutta Pitaka is considered the most fundamental and authoritative collection of Buddha’s teachings, dealing with ethics, meditation, wisdom, and the nature of reality. It forms the core of the Theravada Buddhist tradition and is accepted across most Buddhist schools, although different schools have their own interpretations of these texts.

Correct Option: 1. Vyasa
Explanation: The Mahabharata, the longest epic in world literature, was composed by the sage Vyasa, also known as Vedavyasa. It narrates the story of the Kurukshetra War, a dynastic struggle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, and also contains the Bhagavad Gita, a philosophical dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna. The original version of the Mahabharata consisted of 8,800 verses, but over time, it expanded to about 100,000 shlokas. The text covers a wide range of topics, including dharma (righteousness), politics, ethics, and the complexities of human behavior. Vyasa is regarded as one of the seven immortals in Hindu tradition and is credited with composing many important texts, including the Puranas.