India General Knowledge

MODULE 1: Ancient Indian History MCQs

Topic: Vedic Age – Early Vedic vs Later Vedic Period MCQs

SUB-TOPIC 1: Chronology & Sources of the Vedic Age

Q1. The Early Vedic Period is generally dated between:

A. 2000–1500 BCE
B. 1500–1000 BCE
C. 1000–600 BCE
D. 600–300 BCE

Correct Answer: B. 1500–1000 BCE
Explanation: The Early Vedic Age corresponds to the composition period of the Rigveda, generally dated between 1500 and 1000 BCE.

Q2. The Later Vedic Period is generally placed between:

A. 1200–800 BCE
B. 1000–600 BCE
C. 800–400 BCE
D. 600–200 BCE

Correct Answer: B. 1000–600 BCE
Explanation: The Later Vedic Age marks the expansion of Aryans into the Gangetic plains and the composition of later Vedic texts.

Q3. Which Veda is considered the primary source for Early Vedic life?

A. Samaveda
B. Yajurveda
C. Atharvaveda
D. Rigveda

Correct Answer: D. Rigveda
Explanation: The Rigveda is the oldest Vedic text and provides detailed insights into Early Vedic society, economy, and religion.

Q4. The Later Vedic period is mainly reconstructed from:

A. Rigveda only
B. Brahmanas and Upanishads
C. Buddhist texts
D. Epics only

Correct Answer: B. Brahmanas and Upanishads
Explanation: Later Vedic life is known through Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, and later Vedic Samhitas.

Q5. The geographical region of the Early Vedic Aryans was mainly:

A. Ganga basin
B. Deccan plateau
C. Sapta Sindhu region
D. Eastern India

Correct Answer: C. Sapta Sindhu region
Explanation: Early Vedic Aryans were settled around the Indus and its tributaries, collectively known as the Sapta Sindhu region.

SUB-TOPIC 2: Political Organisation – Early vs Later Vedic

Q6. The basic political unit of the Early Vedic period was the:

A. Janapada
B. Mahajanapada
C. Jana
D. Rashtra

Correct Answer: C. Jana
Explanation: In the Early Vedic Age, political organisation revolved around tribal units called Jana.

Q7. The king in the Early Vedic period was known as:

A. Samrat
B. Rajan
C. Maharaja
D. Chakravarti

Correct Answer: B. Rajan
Explanation: The term Rajan was used for tribal chiefs who led the Jana and protected cattle and people.

Q8. Which assembly was common to both Early and Later Vedic periods?

A. Sabha
B. Samiti
C. Vidatha
D. Gana

Correct Answer: A. Sabha
Explanation: Sabha existed in both periods, though its role became more restricted in the Later Vedic Age.

Q9. In the Later Vedic period, kingship became:

A. Elective and limited
B. Nomadic
C. Hereditary and powerful
D. Absent

Correct Answer: C. Hereditary and powerful
Explanation: Later Vedic kingship became hereditary, and royal authority increased significantly.

Q10. The concept of territorial states emerged mainly during the:

A. Early Vedic period
B. Later Vedic period
C. Mauryan period
D. Post-Mauryan period

Correct Answer: B. Later Vedic period
Explanation: The Later Vedic Age witnessed the transformation from tribal units to territorial kingdoms.

SUB-TOPIC 3: Social Structure & Varna System

Q11. How many varnas existed in the Early Vedic society?

A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four

Correct Answer: C. Three
Explanation: Early Vedic society broadly recognised Brahmana, Kshatriya, and Vaishya; Shudras were not prominent initially.

Q12. The fourth varna, Shudra, became prominent during the:

A. Early Vedic period
B. Later Vedic period
C. Mauryan period
D. Gupta period

Correct Answer: B. Later Vedic period
Explanation: The Later Vedic Age saw the crystallisation of the four-fold varna system.

Q13. Which varna enjoyed the highest status in Later Vedic society?

A. Kshatriya
B. Vaishya
C. Shudra
D. Brahmana

Correct Answer: D. Brahmana
Explanation: Brahmanas gained supremacy due to their role in rituals and sacrifices during the Later Vedic Age.

Q14. The social structure of the Early Vedic period was:

A. Rigid and birth-based
B. Flexible and occupation-based
C. Caste-based
D. Urban-centric

Correct Answer: B. Flexible and occupation-based
Explanation: Social divisions were fluid in the Early Vedic Age and based on occupation rather than birth.

Q15. The institution of gotra became significant during the:

A. Early Vedic period
B. Later Vedic period
C. Buddhist period
D. Mauryan period

Correct Answer: B. Later Vedic period
Explanation: Gotra system developed to regulate marriage and lineage in Later Vedic society.

SUB-TOPIC 4: Economy – Pastoralism to Agriculture

Q16. The main economic activity of the Early Vedic people was:

A. Agriculture
B. Trade
C. Pastoralism
D. Handicrafts

Correct Answer: C. Pastoralism
Explanation: Cattle rearing was central to Early Vedic economy, with cows considered a measure of wealth.

Q17. Which metal was extensively used in the Later Vedic period?

A. Copper
B. Bronze
C. Iron
D. Gold

Correct Answer: C. Iron
Explanation: The use of iron tools enabled forest clearance and agricultural expansion.

Q18. Agriculture became the dominant occupation during the:

A. Early Vedic period
B. Later Vedic period
C. Rigvedic period
D. Pre-Vedic period

Correct Answer: B. Later Vedic period
Explanation: Improved tools and settled life made agriculture the economic backbone in the Later Vedic Age.

Q19. Which crop became important in the Later Vedic economy?

A. Barley
B. Wheat
C. Rice
D. Millets

Correct Answer: C. Rice
Explanation: Rice cultivation expanded with settlement in the fertile Gangetic plains.

Q20. Trade in the Early Vedic period was mainly:

A. Coin-based
B. Sea-based
C. Barter-based
D. International

Correct Answer: C. Barter-based
Explanation: Early Vedic trade was limited and conducted through barter, with no use of coins.

SUB-TOPIC 5: Religion & Philosophical Ideas

Q21. The chief deity of the Early Vedic period was:

A. Vishnu
B. Shiva
C. Indra
D. Prajapati

Correct Answer: C. Indra
Explanation: Indra was the most frequently mentioned deity in the Rigveda and symbolised war and rain.

Q22. Which deity gained prominence in the Later Vedic period?

A. Indra
B. Agni
C. Soma
D. Prajapati

Correct Answer: D. Prajapati
Explanation: Prajapati emerged as the supreme creator deity during the Later Vedic Age.

Q23. Early Vedic religion primarily focused on:

A. Idol worship
B. Temple worship
C. Simple prayers and sacrifices
D. Philosophical inquiry

Correct Answer: C. Simple prayers and sacrifices
Explanation: Early Vedic religion was nature-centric and involved simple rituals.

Q24. Complex rituals like Rajasuya and Ashvamedha became prominent in the:

A. Early Vedic period
B. Later Vedic period
C. Gupta period
D. Mauryan period

Correct Answer: B. Later Vedic period
Explanation: Elaborate sacrifices were conducted to legitimise royal authority in the Later Vedic Age.

Q25. The philosophical concept of Atman and Brahman appears in:

A. Samhitas
B. Brahmanas
C. Upanishads
D. Sutras

Correct Answer: C. Upanishads
Explanation: Upanishads focus on philosophical inquiry and metaphysical concepts.

SUB-TOPIC 6: Status of Women & Education

Q26. Women in the Early Vedic period enjoyed:

A. No social rights
B. Equal status with men
C. Limited religious roles
D. Complete seclusion

Correct Answer: B. Equal status with men
Explanation: Women participated in rituals and education and composed hymns in the Early Vedic Age.

Q27. The status of women declined in the Later Vedic period due to:

A. Education expansion
B. Rise of varna system
C. Urbanisation
D. Foreign invasion

Correct Answer: B. Rise of varna system
Explanation: Social rigidity and patriarchal norms led to the decline of women’s status.

Q28. The Gurukul system of education was prominent in:

A. Early Vedic period only
B. Later Vedic period only
C. Both Early and Later Vedic periods
D. Buddhist period

Correct Answer: C. Both Early and Later Vedic periods
Explanation: The Gurukul system existed throughout the Vedic Age, though curriculum expanded later.

Q29. Education during the Vedic Age mainly focused on:

A. Science and medicine
B. Trade skills
C. Vedic literature and rituals
D. Military training

Correct Answer: C. Vedic literature and rituals
Explanation: Education was primarily religious and literary in nature.

Q30. The most significant change from Early to Later Vedic period was:

A. Decline of religion
B. Shift from pastoral to agrarian economy
C. Introduction of Buddhism
D. Urbanisation

Correct Answer: B. Shift from pastoral to agrarian economy
Explanation: The transition to settled agriculture fundamentally transformed Vedic society, polity, and economy.

✅ This MCQ set is fully aligned with school, college, university, entrance, and all major competitive examinations across India.

• Early Vedic vs Later Vedic MCQs

• Vedic Age GK Questions

• Ancient Indian History MCQs

• Rigvedic and Later Vedic MCQs

• Vedic Period Objective Questions

• Ancient History GK for Competitive Exams

• Vedic Age Prelims MCQs

• Early and Later Vedic Comparison MCQs

📌 Conclusion: Vedic Age MCQs for Strong Ancient History Preparation

This curated set of Vedic Age MCQs offers a clear and exam-relevant comparison between the Early Vedic and Later Vedic periods, covering polity, society, economy, religion, women’s status, and education. Designed in strict alignment with the India General Knowledge syllabus, these MCQs are ideal for UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Banking, CUET, and academic examinations. Regular practice of these Ancient Indian History MCQs will enhance conceptual clarity and improve scoring accuracy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Are these Vedic Age MCQs useful for UPSC and State PSC exams?
Yes. These MCQs are strictly aligned with UPSC and State PSC Ancient History syllabi and are highly relevant for Prelims preparation.

Q2. Do the MCQs clearly compare Early and Later Vedic periods?
Yes. The questions are systematically designed to highlight key differences in polity, society, economy, and religion.

Q3. Are answers provided with detailed explanations?
Yes. Every MCQ includes a correct answer with a clear, concept-building explanation.

Q4. Can school and university students use these MCQs?
Absolutely. The content is suitable for school boards, college courses, and university-level Ancient Indian History exams.

Q5. Are these MCQs helpful for quick revision before exams?
Yes. They serve as an excellent revision and self-assessment resource before competitive and entrance exams.

🎯 Targeting Examinations

These Vedic Age – Early vs Later Vedic Period MCQs are carefully structured for:

• UPSC Civil Services (Prelims)

• State Public Service Commissions (PSC)

• SSC (CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS)

• Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI)

• CUET (UG & PG)

• NDA & CDS Defence Exams

• Teaching Eligibility Tests (TET, CTET)

• School Board Exams (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards)

• College & University Semester Examinations

• All major competitive and entrance examinations across India