Keywords To Remember
- Iron Age – A historical period that followed the Bronze Age, marked by the widespread use of iron tools and weapons.
- Painted Grey Ware – A type of fine grey pottery painted with black geometric designs, commonly associated with the Iron Age in India.
- Vedic Civilisation – An early Indian civilisation based on the teachings of the Vedas, the sacred texts of the Aryans.
- Rigveda – The oldest of the four Vedas, containing hymns dedicated to various deities, composed around 1500–1200 BCE.
- Sukta – A well-composed hymn found in the Rigveda, literally meaning “well-said”.
- Aryans – A group of Indo-European people who settled in India during the Vedic period.
- Dasas / Dasyus – Opponents of the Aryans, often mentioned in the Rigveda.
- Ashvamedha Yajna – A horse-sacrifice ritual performed by kings to assert their sovereignty over a territory.
- Rajasuya Yajna – A royal consecration ceremony performed by a king to gain supreme power.
- Samiti – A general assembly in the Vedic period that participated in policy-making.
- Sabha – A council of elders that advised the king on important matters.
- Purohit – The royal priest in a Vedic kingdom.
- Mantri – The chief minister in the king’s court.
- Senani – The military commander of the Vedic army.
- Gramini – The headman of a village during the Vedic period.
- Brahmacharya Ashram – The first stage of life involving learning and celibacy in a gurukul.
- Grihastha Ashram – The second stage of life involving family life and responsibilities.
- Vanaprastha Ashram – The third stage of life marked by withdrawal from worldly affairs for meditation.
- Sanyas Ashram – The final stage of life involving renunciation and spiritual pursuits.
- Barter System – An old system of trade where goods and services are exchanged without using money.
- Currency – A standardized system of money in general use in a country.
- Nishka – A type of ancient coin used during the Later Vedic period.
- Chandala – The lowest caste in the later Vedic period, considered untouchable and assigned tasks like cremation.
- Brahmanas – Prose texts that explain the meanings of the hymns in the Vedas and instructions on rituals.
- Aranyakas – Philosophical texts composed in forest retreats by hermits; bridge between Brahmanas and Upanishads.
- Upanishads – Philosophical treatises that explore the spiritual meaning of the Vedas.
- Ganita – The Sanskrit term for mathematics, including arithmetic, geometry, and algebra.
- Surya – The Sun god in early Vedic religion.
- Indra – The king of gods and god of thunder and rain in Vedic mythology.
- Agni – The fire god, considered the mediator between humans and gods in yajnas.
- Zoroastrianism – The ancient monotheistic religion of Iran, founded by Prophet Zoroaster.
- Latin – The language of the Romans, the basis of many European languages.
- Concrete – A Roman invention used in building strong and long-lasting structures.
- Circumference – The boundary or perimeter of a circle; calculated first by Greek mathematicians.
- Olympic Games – Athletic competitions held in ancient Greece in honor of Zeus.
- Gurukul – An ancient Indian residential school where students lived with their teacher.
- Joint Family – A family structure where several generations live together under one roof.
- Sura – An alcoholic drink mentioned in Vedic texts.
- Soma Ras – A ritual drink mentioned in the Rigveda believed to have energizing effects.
- Madhu – Honey; used in food and rituals.
- Varnashrama Dharma – The system of social division (varna) and stages of life (ashrama) followed in Vedic society.
- Sanskrit – The classical language of the Vedas and many ancient Indian texts.
- Geometry – A branch of mathematics dealing with shapes, sizes, and the properties of space, known to Vedic people.
- Algebra – A mathematical concept involving variables and equations; part of Vedic mathematics.
- Astronomy – The study of celestial bodies; practiced by Vedic people to study eclipses and planetary movements.
- Decimal System – A base-10 system of counting used in ancient India, crucial for mathematical calculations.
- Zero – A numeral representing nothing; an important Indian contribution to mathematics.
- Epic Age – Another term for the Later Vedic Period, named due to the composition of large epic texts like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Rashtra – A large kingdom in the Later Vedic period, ruled by a Samrat or Maharaja.
- Maharaja – A great king, ruler of a large territory in the Later Vedic period.
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.
- The oldest Veda is ̶
(a) Rigveda
(b) Samaveda
(c) Yajurveda
(d) Atharvaveda
Answer – (a) Rigveda
- What was the main occupation of Aryans?
(a) hunting
(b) carpentry
(c) agriculture
(d) fishing
Answer – (c) agriculture
- The chief god during the Early Vedic Civilisation was ̶
(a) lndra
(b) Shiva
(c) Vishnu
(d) Rama
Answer – (a) lndra
- The supreme god worshipped during the Greek Civilisation was ̶
(a) Juno
(c) Zeus
(b) Fire
(d) Indra
Answer – (c) Zeus
- Who calculated the circumference of the earth?
(a) the Greeks
(b) the Romans
(c) the Aryans
(d) the Iranians
Answer – (a) the Greeks
B. Fill in the blanks.
- The word Veda means _______________________.
Answer – knowledge
- As a part of the barter system_______________________ was used as a standard of value.
Answer – cow
- The Early Vedic Period is also known as _______________________ Period.
Answer – Rigvedic
- In the Later Vedic Period, varna system became_______________________.
Answer – hereditary
- During Sanyas Ashram, a man lived a life of complete_______________________.
Answer – detachment
C. Match the following:
- Epic Age a. Commander of Army
- Shudras b. Head of the family
- Senani c. God of Thunder
- Grihapati d. Later Vedic Period
- Indra e. Labourers
Answer –
Column A | Column B |
1. Epic Age | d. Later Vedic Period |
2. Shudras | e. Labourers |
3. Senani | a. Commander of Army |
4. Grihapati | b. Head of the family |
5. Indra | c. God of Thunder |
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- What were the main inventions of Greek Civilisation?
Answer – Calculation of the Earth’s circumference, drawing of world maps, and the Olympic Games.
- Name the gods that were worshipped by Romans.
Answer – Vesta, Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Juno.
- Name the four Vedas.
Answer – Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.
- Give any two examples to prove that Vedic Civilisation was quite advanced.
Answer – Knowledge of astronomy and the decimal system.
Use of iron tools and development in mathematics.
- Mention the main occupations of the people of Iranian Civilisation.
Answer – Trading, shipbuilding, silk weaving, pottery, metalwork, and gem cutting.
E. Answer the following questions.
- What was the political condition of the country under Aryans?
Answer – In the Early Vedic Period, Rajas ruled small kingdoms without capitals or armies. Later, hereditary kings ruled larger kingdoms with ministers and assemblies like Sabha and Samiti. The king’s power increased, and rituals like Ashvamedha were performed.
- What was the condition of women in the Early Vedic Period.
Answer – Women were respected, educated, and could compose hymns. They participated in religious rituals and had the right to choose their husbands through Swayamvara.
- Explain the Varna System. What change did it undergo during Later Vedic Period?
Answer – Initially, people could change their varna or occupation. Later, the varna system became rigid and hereditary, restricting social mobility and leading to discrimination.
- List the achievements of the Aryans in the field of science and mathematics.
Answer – Aryans knew the concepts of zero, decimal system, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and astronomy. They could predict solar and lunar eclipses.
- List the occupations of the Aryans.
Answer – Agriculture, animal husbandry, carpentry, pottery, weaving, jewellery making, and trade.
Value Based Question
The people of the Vedic Civilisation led a happy and simple life. Their clothes were made of cotton, wool and skins of animals. They played musical instruments like flute, drums and harp. They were fond of chariot racing and dancing.
In your opinion which activities are eco-friendly in the present scenario.
Answer – Wearing clothes made of natural fibres like cotton and wool, using animal power instead of machines, playing acoustic musical instruments, and engaging in traditional games like chariot racing and dancing promote sustainability and are eco-friendly.
Map Skill
On the physical map of the world, locate the following civilisations.
(a) Greek civilisation
Answer – Greece (Europe)
(b) Roman civilisation
Answer – Italy (Europe)
(c) Iranian civilisation
Answer – Iran (Asia)
(d) Vedic civilisation
Answer – Northern India (Asia)
Something To Do
- Make a list of Hindu social customs of today that are similar to those which existed in the Aryan Period.
Answer – Swayamvara (influenced arranged marriage customs)
Yajnas and rituals
Respect for teachers (guru-shishya tradition)
Joint family system
- Read the stories of Mahabharata and Ramayana to know more about the Epic Age.
Answer – do it yourself
- Chanting Gayatri Mantra every day in the morning assembly is the tradition of DAV schools. Do you know this mantra is a part of Rigveda? Discuss the meaning and relevance of this mantra in your class.
Answer – The Gayatri Mantra is a prayer for wisdom, clarity, and enlightenment. It teaches focus, positivity, and the pursuit of truth, making it relevant even in today’s fast-paced life.
Additional Questions And Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (with Answers)
- The Rigveda is composed in the Sanskrit
- The Later Vedic Period is also known as the Epic Age.
- Aryans initially lived in the region called Sapta Sindhu.
- The four varnas were Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
- The Ashvamedha Yajna was performed to assert kingship.
- Women had the right to choose their husbands through Swayamvara.
- The Vedas were transmitted orally by memorisation.
- The Samiti was a people’s assembly in the Vedic period.
- Vedic education was imparted in gurukuls.
- The decimal system was a major mathematical contribution of India.
- The Greeks introduced the tradition of Olympic Games.
- The Brahmanas explain the rituals and ceremonies in the Vedas.
- The religion of the Aryans was based on the worship of nature.
- Aryans used iron tools and weapons in the Later Vedic Period.
- The Romans invented concrete and built strong buildings.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs with Answers)
- The Upanishads are books of:
(a) rituals
(b) prayers
(c) philosophy
(d) laws
Answer – (c) - The Vedas were composed by:
(a) kings
(b) priests
(c) soldiers
(d) merchants
Answer – (b) - The later Vedic people settled mainly along the:
(a) Narmada
(b) Saraswati
(c) Ganga
(d) Krishna
Answer – (c) - Which varna was considered untouchable?
(a) Brahmins
(b) Vaishyas
(c) Shudras
(d) Chandalas
Answer – (d) - The Zoroastrians worshipped:
(a) Fire
(b) Earth
(c) Water
(d) Wind
Answer – (a)
True or False (with Answers)
- The Aryans used iron ploughs. – True
- Women were completely ignored in Early Vedic Society. – False
- The Vedic people worshipped idols. – False
- Cow was considered sacred by the Aryans. – True
- Education in the Vedic period was free and oral. – True
- Vedic hymns were written in English. – False
- Romans believed in one god only. – False
- The Rigveda was composed in prose. – False
- Indra was the god of thunder and war. – True
- The concept of zero originated in India. – True
Short Answer Questions (2–3 lines)
- What was the role of a purohit in the Vedic period?
Answer: The purohit was the chief priest who performed rituals and guided the king in religious matters. - Why were cows important in the Vedic period?
Answer: Cows were a symbol of wealth and were used for food, agriculture, and trade. - What was the Ashvamedha Yajna?
Answer: It was a horse-sacrifice ritual performed by kings to prove their supremacy. - Who were the Aryans?
Answer: Aryans were Indo-European people who migrated to India and composed the Vedas. - What was a Gurukul?
Answer: A Gurukul was a residential school where students lived with their teacher to study.
Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning & Assertion)
Q1. Assertion (A): The Later Vedic Period saw the emergence of kingdoms.
Reason (R): The kings performed grand sacrifices like Ashvamedha to show their power.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. ✅
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer – (a)
Q2. Assertion (A): Vedic people did not use money in trade.
Reason (R): The barter system was in use during the Vedic period.
Answer – (a)
Q3. Assertion (A): The Greeks invented the decimal system.
Reason (R): They were advanced in mathematics.
Answer – (c) A is false, but R is true.
Q4. Assertion (A): Education was not important in the Vedic age.
Reason (R): Only rich people went to school.
Answer – (d) A is false, R is false.
Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions
- Why do you think the Aryans worshipped natural forces like fire, wind, and rain?
Answer: They depended on nature for agriculture and survival, so they considered natural forces as powerful and divine. - How did the change from a nomadic to settled life affect Vedic society?
Answer: It led to the growth of villages, surplus food, specialization of occupations, and development of kingdoms. - What might happen if the varna system remained flexible throughout Indian history?
Answer: Social mobility would increase, caste discrimination would be less, and society would be more equitable. - How is Vedic education system different from modern schooling?
Answer: Vedic education was oral, residential, and focused on character and spiritual growth, unlike today’s classroom-based system.
Long Answer Questions (40–50 words)
- Describe the role of kings and assemblies in the Vedic political system.
Answer: Kings ruled over small kingdoms and were advised by assemblies like Sabha and Samiti. Early kings had limited power, but later they performed grand rituals like Ashvamedha to show supremacy and ruled over large areas with ministers and commanders. - Explain the condition of women in the Early Vedic Period.
Answer: Women were respected and educated. They composed hymns, performed rituals, and could attend assemblies. They had freedom to choose husbands and were treated as equals in society, unlike in the Later Vedic Period where their status declined. - How did the Aryans contribute to science and mathematics?
Answer: Aryans developed knowledge of the decimal system, zero, geometry, and algebra. They predicted eclipses and observed celestial bodies, laying foundations for future developments in Indian mathematics and astronomy.
Additional Questions And Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- The Iron Age followed the __________ Age around 1200 BC.
Answer: Bronze - The main source of information about the Vedic Period is the __________.
Answer: Vedas - The oldest Veda is the __________.
Answer: Rigveda - In the Later Vedic Period, kings performed the __________ sacrifice to gain supreme power.
Answer: Rajasuya - The basic unit of Vedic society was the __________.
Answer: Family - The head of the joint family in the Vedic Period was called __________.
Answer: Grihapati - The Vedic society was divided into four __________ namely Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
Answer: Varnas - The Greek Civilisation worshipped __________ as their supreme god.
Answer: Zeus - The Roman Civilisation invented the use of __________ for construction.
Answer: Concrete - The Iranian Civilisation used the __________ script.
Answer: Aramaic - The Vedic Period is also known as the __________ Age due to its later developments.
Answer: Epic - The __________ was a coin used in the Later Vedic Period.
Answer: Nishka - The __________ Ashram was the stage of life spent in a gurukul.
Answer: Brahmacharya - The __________ was an important law book for Hindus during the Vedic Period.
Answer: Manu Smriti - The Aryans introduced __________ to India from Central Asia.
Answer: Horses
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- What marked the beginning of the Iron Age?
a) Discovery of bronze
b) Discovery of iron
c) Use of stone tools
d) Invention of currency
Answer: b) Discovery of iron - Which Veda is the oldest?
a) Samaveda
b) Yajurveda
c) Rigveda
d) Atharvaveda
Answer: c) Rigveda - Who was the supreme god in Greek Civilisation?
a) Jupiter
b) Zeus
c) Indra
d) Vesta
Answer: b) Zeus - What was the main occupation of the Vedic people?
a) Trading
b) Agriculture
c) Shipbuilding
d) Pottery
Answer: b) Agriculture - What was the role of Brahmins in Vedic society?
a) Protectors
b) Cultivators
c) Religious leaders
d) Laborers
Answer: c) Religious leaders - Which civilisation invented concrete?
a) Greek
b) Roman
c) Iranian
d) Vedic
Answer: b) Roman - What was the Swayamvara in the Vedic Period?
a) A religious ceremony
b) A princess choosing her husband
c) A type of sacrifice
d) A trade system
Answer: b) A princess choosing her husband - Which Vedic sacrifice declared a king’s power over a vast territory?
a) Rajasuya
b) Ashvamedha
c) Yajna
d) Soma
Answer: b) Ashvamedha - What was the Painted Grey Ware associated with?
a) Bronze Age
b) Iron Age
c) Neolithic Period
d) Harappan Culture
Answer: b) Iron Age - Which stage of life involved living in forests for meditation in the Vedic Period?
a) Brahmacharya
b) Grihastha
c) Vanaprastha
d) Sanyas
Answer: c) Vanaprastha
True/False Questions and Answers
- The Iron Age began around 1200 BC.
Answer: True - The Rigveda provides information about the Later Vedic Period.
Answer: False (It informs about the Early Vedic Period.) - Women in the Early Vedic Period were not educated.
Answer: False (They were educated and composed hymns.) - The Roman Civilisation invented the Olympic games.
Answer: False (The Greeks invented the Olympic games.) - The Varna system was rigid in the Early Vedic Period.
Answer: False (It became rigid in the Later Vedic Period.) - The Iranian Civilisation worshipped Zoroastrianism.
Answer: True - The Sabha and Samiti gained power in the Later Vedic Period.
Answer: False (Their power decreased.) - The Vedic people had knowledge of zero and the decimal system.
Answer: True - The barter system was completely absent in the Later Vedic Period.
Answer: False (It was still used, alongside coins.) - The Chandalas were respected members of Vedic society.
Answer: False (They were considered untouchables.)
Short Questions and Answers
- What is the Iron Age?
Answer: The Iron Age is the period following the Bronze Age, starting around 1200 BC, marked by the use of iron for tools and weapons. - What are the four Vedas?
Answer: The four Vedas are Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. - Who was the head of a Vedic family?
Answer: The head of a Vedic family was called Grihapati, the eldest male member. - What was the Rajasuya sacrifice?
Answer: The Rajasuya sacrifice was performed by a king to gain supreme power. - Name one occupation of the Greek Civilisation.
Answer: Agriculture - What was the Painted Grey Ware?
Answer: Painted Grey Ware refers to Iron Age ceramics fired grey and painted with black designs, like plates and bowls. - What was the role of Kshatriyas in Vedic society?
Answer: Kshatriyas protected the people from internal and external harm. - What is Manu Smriti?
Answer: Manu Smriti is an important Hindu law book from the Vedic Period, outlining social and legal codes. - Name a god worshipped in the Early Vedic Period.
Answer: Indra - What was the Vanaprastha Ashram?
Answer: Vanaprastha Ashram was the third stage of life where a person retired to forests for meditation.
Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion: The Iron Age improved agricultural practices.
Reason: Iron tools like sickles and ploughs were stronger, enabling large-scale cultivation.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: The Vedic society was divided into four Varnas.
Reason: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras had distinct roles like religious duties, protection, and labor.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: Women’s status declined in the Later Vedic Period.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason supports the assertion. - Assertion: The Greek Civilisation contributed to scientific knowledge.
Reason: They calculated the Earth’s circumference and drew world maps.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: The Later Vedic Period saw the rise of hereditary kingship.
Reason: Kings performed sacrifices like Ashvamedha to expand their power, reducing the role of Sabha and Samiti.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason supports the assertion.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- How did the discovery of iron influence the development of civilisations?
Answer: Iron’s discovery enabled stronger tools like ploughs and axes, boosting agriculture and clearing forests for settlements. This increased food production, supported urban growth, and facilitated trade and warfare, driving the economic and social progress of Iron Age civilisations. - Why was the Vedic literature significant for understanding the Vedic Civilisation?
Answer: Vedic literature, including the Rigveda and Upanishads, provides insights into social, political, and religious life. It details Varna roles, governance, and scientific knowledge like astronomy, offering a comprehensive view of the civilisation’s values, practices, and advancements. - How did the transition from barter to currency impact Vedic society?
Answer: The shift from barter to coins like Nishka simplified trade, enabling efficient economic exchanges. It supported market growth, increased wealth, and facilitated long-distance trade, fostering economic complexity and social stratification in the Later Vedic Period. - Why did the power of Sabha and Samiti decline in the Later Vedic Period?
Answer: The rise of hereditary kingship and powerful sacrifices like Ashvamedha strengthened royal authority. Kings relied less on Sabha and Samiti for decisions, centralizing power and reducing these assemblies’ influence, reflecting a shift toward monarchical governance. - How did the Vedic Civilisation’s knowledge of astronomy influence their society?
Answer: The Vedic knowledge of planetary movements and eclipses enabled accurate calendars, guiding agricultural and religious activities. It fostered scientific inquiry and cultural practices, like aligning yajanas with celestial events, reinforcing the priests’ authority and societal cohesion.
Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)
- Explain the significance of iron in the Iron Age.
Answer: Iron enabled stronger tools like ploughs, axes, and sickles, improving agriculture and craftsmanship. It facilitated jungle clearing, urban expansion, and warfare, boosting trade and economic growth, thus laying the foundation for advanced civilisations during the Iron Age. - Describe the social structure of the Vedic Civilisation.
Answer: Vedic society was divided into four Varnas: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (cultivators), and Shudras (laborers). Initially flexible, the system became rigid in the Later Vedic Period. Families were led by the Grihapati, with women respected early but declining later. - How did the Vedic Period contribute to literature?
Answer: The Vedic Period produced the Vedas, including Rigveda, and later texts like Upanishads, detailing hymns, philosophy, and science. These works preserved knowledge, expressed societal concerns, and influenced religion and culture, forming a rich literary legacy for humanity. - What were the key religious practices of the Early Vedic Period?
Answer: Early Vedic people worshipped nature gods like Indra, Agni, and Surya, offering milk and ghee in yajanas. They performed sacrifices without temples, emphasizing rituals that strengthened community bonds and sought divine favor for prosperity and protection. - Discuss the role of the king in the Later Vedic Period.
Answer: In the Later Vedic Period, kings held hereditary power, performing sacrifices like Ashvamedha to expand territories. Assisted by priests and ministers, they consulted Sabha and Samiti less, centralizing authority and strengthening monarchical rule over larger kingdoms.