History & Civics
With reference to the early Vedic literature, explain the following:
(a) From which root word is the term 'Veda' derived?
(b) Why is the Rig Veda regarded as the "first testament of mankind"?
(c) How many mandalas are there in the Rig Veda?
(d) Explain how Rig Vedic hymns were preserved and transmitted through generations.
Answer
(a) The word 'Veda' itself is derived from the root 'Vid' which means 'to know'. Thus the Veda means wisdom or knowledge.
(b) The Rig Veda is the oldest Veda and therefore, it is known as the 'first testament of mankind'.
(c) The Rig Veda is divided into ten mandalas.
(d) The Rig Vedic hymns were passed on orally from teachers to disciples.
Related Questions
What makes the Epics an important source for understanding ancient Indian values?
Discuss how the Aryans influenced the socio-economic structure in ancient India.
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"The Upanishads contain two basic principles of Indian philosophy viz., karma and the transmigration of soul, i.e., rebirth based on past deeds. According to these texts real happiness lies in getting moksha i.e. freedom from this cycle of birth and re-birth."
(Source :https://www.nios.ac.in/media/documents/SrSec315NEW/315HistoryEng/315HistoryEng_Lesson4.pdf)
(a) Explain concepts like Karma, Maya, and Mukti.
(b) Highlight their relevance in contemporary philosophy.
Trade was another major occupation. Now the traders had organised themselves into various guilds or associations which looked after their interests. With reference to this, answer the following questions:
(a) How did the formation of trade guilds contribute to the economic development of the Later Vedic Period?
(b) What might have been the advantages of these guilds for traders and artisans?
(c) Discuss the significance of coins like Nishka and Satamana in the trade system of this time.