GK Quiz on Vedic Literature

Vedic Literature is one of the most important topics in Indian history. It is the foundation of our ancient culture, religion and knowledge. The Sanskrit word "Veda" is derived from the term "Vid", meaning "to know". The Vedas are the oldest written texts in the world and are written in Vedic Sanskrit.

For students, these GK quizzes on Vedic literature are very important. So test your knowledge with these 10 GK quizzes on Vedic literature. 

GK Quiz on Vedic Literature

1. How many Vedas are there in all?

(A) 2

(B) 3

(C) 4

(D) 6

Answer: (C) 4

Explanation: There are four Vedas, which are Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. They are the oldest and most sacred books of Hinduism.

2. Which is the oldest of all the four Vedas?

(A) Samaveda

(B) Yajurveda

(C) Atharvaveda

(D) Rigveda

Answer: (D) Rigveda

Explanation: The Rigveda is the oldest of all the four Vedas. It was written sometime between 1500 and 1000 BCE and consists of 1028 hymns arranged in 10 Mandalas (books).

3. Gayatri Mantra is mentioned in which Veda?

(A) Samaveda

(B) Yajurveda

(C) Rigveda

(D) Atharvaveda

Answer: (C) Rigveda

Explanation: The Gayatri Mantra is mentioned in the Rigveda at verse 3.62.10. It is one of the most sacred and recited mantras in the Hindu religion.

4. Which Veda is known for songs and chants?

(A) Rigveda

(B) Samaveda

(C) Yajurveda

(D) Atharvaveda

Answer: (B) Samaveda

Explanation: The Samaveda is known as the Veda of melodies and chants. It was regarded as the source of Indian classical music and dance. The majority of its verses are from the Rigveda.

5. The word "Upanishad" means which of the following?

(A) Holy river

(B) Sitting near a teacher to receive knowledge

(C) A type of sacrifice

(D) A book of war

Answer: (B) Sitting near a teacher to receive knowledge

Explanation: The term "Upanishad" means to sit by a teacher to learn. Upanishads have profound philosophical concepts relating to life, God, soul (Atman) and the universe (Brahman).

6. How many Upanishads are there in total?

(A) 18

(B) 64

(C) 108

(D) 200

Answer: (C) 108

Explanation: There are 108 Upanishads, in all. They speak of such significant ideas as Atman (soul) and Brahman (universal consciousness) and were written between 800 and 500 BCE.

7. The slogan "Satyameva Jayate" is taken from which text?

(A) Rigveda

(B) Mundaka Upanishad

(C) Bhagavad Gita

(D) Atharvaveda

Answer: (B) Mundaka Upanishad

Explanation: "Satyameva Jayate", which means "Truth alone wins", has been taken from the Mundaka Upanishad. It is the National motto of India and has been inscribed below the National Emblem.

Q8. The Vedangas are the supporting texts of the Vedas. How many Vedangas are there?

(A) 4

(B) 6

(C) 8

(D) 12

Answer: (B) 6

Explanation: There are 6 Vedangas, namely Shiksha (phonetics), Nirukta (etymology), Chandas (meter), Vyakarana (grammar), Jyotisha (astrology), and Kalpa (rituals). They help in understanding and applying the Vedas.

Q9. Aranyakas are a part of Vedic literature. What is the meaning of "Aranyaka"?

(A) Songs of praise

(B) Forest books

(C) War texts

(D) Stories of kings

Answer: (B) Forest books

Explanation: "Aranyakas" means "forest books". They are written for sages and hermits who dwelt in forests. They serve as a link between the Brahmanas (ritual texts) and the Upanishads (philosophical texts).

Q10. How many major Puranas are there in Indian literature?

(A) 6

(B) 12

(C) 18

(D) 24

Answer: (C) 18

Explanation: There are 18 major Puranas. The word "Purana" means "very old" or "ancient". They contain stories of gods, the creation of the world, and moral teachings for common people.