MCQs Based On Ancient History – (16)

Correct Option: 3. Sabha
Explanation: The Sabha and Samiti were two early political assemblies:
• Sabha: A smaller, elite council, possibly advisory in nature. It included elders and may have had judicial or deliberative roles.
• Samiti: A larger, more democratic body involving the common people; likely presided over by the Rajan.
• Vidatha: A general tribal gathering for ritual, military, and administrative purposes.
These institutions show that early Vedic society had elements of participatory governance.

Correct Option: 2. Agni
Explanation: Agni is the god of fire and has multiple roles:
• He is central to Vedic rituals (yajnas), as fire is the medium through which offerings reach the gods.
• Known as the divine priest, Agni transports the sacrificial offerings.
• He also represents:
    • Fire in cremation,
    • Fire of battle,
    • Fire of desire (heat),
    • Fire in forests (natural fire).

Correct Option: 4. Tribute or offering to the Rajan or gods
Explanation: The term “Bali” in Rig Vedic society had dual meanings:
• A voluntary offering or tribute given by clan members to their Rajan.
• It could also refer to offerings made to deities during rituals.
This shows a redistribution of resources and religious obligations in society.

Correct Option: 3. Flexible and not hereditary
Explanation: In the Rig Vedic period:
• Occupations were fluid and not based on birth.
• A person from a family could take up any profession—warrior, priest, artisan, etc.
• The varna system, though emerging, was not yet rigid.
Later, in the Later Vedic period, occupations became hereditary, leading to caste-based divisions.

Correct Option: 3. Kula
Explanation: The Kula (family) was the smallest and basic unit of social organization.
• Headed by a Kulapa (patriarch).
• Multiple Kulas formed a Grama (village).
• Multiple Gramas formed a Jana (tribe).
This hierarchy shows how kinship and family networks formed the foundation of Vedic society.