Q1. Which river is NOT one of the seven rivers (Sapta Sindhu) mentioned in the Rig Veda?
- Jhelum
- Beas
- Ganga
- Ravi
Correct Option: 3. Ganga
Explanation: The Sapta Sindhu (Seven Rivers) region is where the early Indo-Aryans settled. These rivers are:
• Indus (Sindhu)
• Jhelum (Vitasta)
• Chenab (Asikni)
• Ravi (Purushni)
• Beas (Vipasa)
• Sutlej (Sutudri)
• Saraswati (now believed to be the Ghaggar-Hakra)
The Ganga is only mentioned once in the Rig Veda, indicating that the Aryans had not yet expanded eastward into the Gangetic plains. This river became prominent in Later Vedic times.
Q2. Who was the chief of the Bharata tribe who fought the Battle of Ten Kings?
- Vishvamitra
- Divodasa
- Trasadasyu
- Sudas
Correct Option: 4. Sudas
Explanation: Sudas, the grandson of Divodasa, was a chieftain of the Bharata tribe. He led his tribe in the famous Battle of Ten Kings (Dasarajna Yuddha) against a coalition of ten other tribes including former allies like the Purus.
• The battle occurred on the banks of the river Parushni (modern Ravi).
• Sudas emerged victorious, symbolizing the political and military strength of the Bharatas.
• This battle is one of the most detailed war descriptions in the Rig Veda.
Q3. In the Rig Vedic society, the term “Rajan” most accurately referred to:
- Emperor
- Priest
- King
- Tribal Chieftain
Correct Option: 4. Tribal Chieftain
Explanation: During the Rig Vedic period, society was still tribal and nomadic/semi-nomadic.
• The term Rajan was used for the head of a tribe (jana).
• He was not a king in the later monarchical sense but rather a tribal leader or chief, chosen for his leadership, military skills, and charisma.
• The Rajan was assisted by assemblies (sabha, samiti) and priests, showing the collective nature of governance.
Q4. Which Vedic god is known as “Vritrahan,” the slayer of the serpent demon?
- Agni
- Indra
- Varuna
- Soma
Correct Option: 2. Indra
Explanation: Indra is the most prominent deity in the Rig Veda, mentioned in over 250 hymns.
• He is called Vritrahan, meaning slayer of Vritra, the serpent-demon who held back the waters.
• This myth symbolizes Indra releasing life-giving waters (rain) by defeating chaos (Vritra).
• Indra is associated with thunder, war, strength, and rain, and is often depicted drinking Soma before battle.
Q5. Which of the following texts contains the first reference to the four varnas?
- Sama Veda
- Book 10 of the Rig Veda
- Yajur Veda
- Atharva Veda
Correct Option: 2. Book 10 of the Rig Veda
Explanation: The Purusha Sukta hymn, found in the 10th Mandala (Book 10) of the Rig Veda, presents a cosmic origin myth where:
The Purusha (cosmic being) is sacrificed, and from his body arise the four varnas:
• Brahmana (from his mouth)
• Kshatriya (from his arms)
• Vaishya (from his thighs)
• Shudra (from his feet)
This is the first textual reference to varna-based social division, but it’s still symbolic and not rigid during this time.