ICSE CLASS 9 HISTORY THE VEDIC PERIOD QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

All types of ICSE class 9 The Vedic Period questions and answers.

1.   Multiple-Choice Questions for ICSE CLASS 9 HISTORY THE VEDIC PERIOD QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options.

1. Which of the following is not a category of the Vedic Literature?
2. The Aranyas   
3. The Upanishads
4. The Early Vedic Texts
5. The Brahamanas attached to each Samhitas

Ans. (a)

• Which of the following is known as “The First Testament of Mankind”?
• Sama Veda
• Rig Veda
• Yajur Veda
• Atharva Veda

Ans. (b)

• The use of iron gave rise to new occupations, which one of the following is not one of them?
• Farming
• Tool-making
• Pottery
• Shipping

Ans. (a)

• What is referred to as PGW or Painted Grey Ware Pottery?
• Rugged grey pottery
• Very fine, smooth and even-coloured pottery
• Bead-encrusted black pottery
• All of the above

Ans. (b)

• ‘Vidatha’ the assembly did NOT perform which of the following functions?
• Economic
• Social
• Religious
• Administrative

Ans. (d)

• What was the life expectancy of a person in the Vedic Age?
• 25 years
• 50 years
• 75 years
• 100 years

Ans. (d)

• Family, the fundamental unit of society, was patriarchal and was headed by
• Vishapati
• Purohita
• Grihapati
• Gramini

Ans. (c)

B. Read the two statements given below and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (R) IN ICSE CLASS 9 HISTORY THE VEDIC PERIOD QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

1. (A) The period between 1500-1000 BCE when the Aryans settled in India is known as the Early Vedic Period.

(R) During this period, following the course of rivers the Aryans settled in the Gangetic Valley.

(a) R contradicts A

(b) R is the reason for A

(c) A is true but R is false

(d) A and R are independent of each other

Ans. (c)

• (A) Iron began to be used in India during the Later Vedic Age.

(R) Iron was a harder metal than copper and bronze.

 (a) R contradicts A

(b) R is the reason for A

(c) A is true but R is false

(d) A and R are independent of each other

Ans. (d)

• (A) In the Rig Vedic Age, family was the fundamental unit of the society and patriarchal in form.

(R) After the death of the oldest male member, the eldest son would take over the responsibility of the family.

(a) R contradicts A

(b) R is the reason for A

(c) A is true but R is false

(d) A and R are independent of each other

Ans. (b)

• (A) In the Early Vedic Age, the king did not maintain any regular army.

(R) In times of war, he used to organise tribal groups to perform military functions.

(a) R contradicts A

(b) R is the reason for A

(c) A is true but R is false

(d) A and R are independent of each other

Ans. (b)

• (A) During the Early Vedic period, the society was divided into different classes based on their profession.

(R) During the Later Vedic Age, the caste system became quite rigid.

(a) R contradicts A

(b) R is the reason for A

(c) A is true but R is false

(d) A and R are independent of each other

Ans. (d)

2. SHORT QUESTIONS FOR ICSE CLASS 9 HISTORY THE VEDIC PERIOD QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

1. How has the Early Vedic Literature being categorized? The Early Vedic Literature was known as Shruti. Why?

Ans. The historians have divided the Early Vedic Literature into two categories – the Shruti and the Smriti.

            It is a general belief of the Vedic Age that the God has revealed the Shruti to the sages. Henceforth, the sages have passed on that knowledge orally from generation to generation.

• Name each of the Vedas and give their significance.

        Ans. (i) The Rig Veda is the most important and the oldest of the Vedas. It deals with hymns and prayers dedicated to various deities.  (ii) The Sama Veda comprises chants and melodies which we use in rituals and worship.  (iii) The Yajur Veda deals with rituals, ceremonies and sacrifices. This Veda provides instruction for priests.  (iv) The Atharva Veda deals with various range of subjects like medicine, magic and philosophy.

• Define the Upanishads. Give any two examples.

Ans. The Upanishads are ancient texts that form the final part of the Vedas. They contain teachings, dialogs, and philosophical discussion.

           Chandogya Upanishad and Aitareya Upanishad are two examples of the Upanishad.

• Define the Dharmashastras.

Ans. The Dharmashastras include the Dharmasutras and the Smritis, as well as their commentaries. They lay down rules for righteous living, social norms, and moral conduct for both the rulers and the masses.

• Which epics do we find during the Later Vedic Period?

Ans. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are the epics of the Later Vedic Period.

• What do you know about the Bhagwad Gita?

Ans. Arjuna, the third Pandava was reluctant to fight against his relatives, the Kauravas. A conversation then took place between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. This conversation is recorded in a book called the Bhagavad Gita. It later formed a part of the great epic – the Mahabharata. The Bhagawad Gita teaches us about doing our duty, being righteous, and finding spiritual growth.

• The Epics are an important source of information about the Aryans. Explain.

Ans. The Epics are an important source of information about the Aryans. They provide information on:

• The Epics provide information about Aryan kingdoms, royal lineages and notable rulers.
• They shade light on the Aryan social structure, including the Varna system and roles of different castes.
• The Epics describe Aryan rituals, ceremonies and festivals, offering insights into their spiritual and cultural practices.
• They mention various geographical locations, providing information about Aryan migration, settlement and expansion.

• With reference to the Vedic Period write about the battle which was named the Mahabharata. How long did the battle last?

Ans. According to the epic, the Pandavas completed their thirteen years of exile and demanded their kingdom back from the Kauravas. However, Duryodhana was reluctant to return the kingdom to the Pandavas. This lead to a battle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The Pandavas and the Kauravas fought the battle on a field named Kurukshetra. This battle was named the Mahabharata. The battle of Mahabharata came to an end in eighteen days.

1. What was the significance of iron in the Vedic Period?

Ans. During the Vedic Age iron played a very vital role in developing agriculture. Tools like sickles, axes and plough-heads helped clear forests and cultivate lands, increasing food production.

• State any two feature of Painted Grey Ware (PGW) Pottery.

Ans. Two features of Painted Grey Ware (PGW) Pottery are:

• PGW pottery had fine quality and smooth texture.
• The designs on these pottery are simple and geometric patterned.

• What was the significance of iron in Vedic agriculture?

Ans. (i) People traded goods like grains, animals, and crafts.   (ii) Trade created new occupations like merchants and traders.   (iii) It also lead to the growth of towns and cities.

• There was a change in the position of women between Early Vedic and Later Vedic Age. How?

Ans. The position of women changed significantly between the Early Vedic and Later Vedic Ages. In the Early Vedic Age women enjoyed a higher status and received education. They even participated in religious ceremonies and were free to choose their husbands. However, in the later Vedic Age the status of women declined. They were restricted from receiving education and participating in yajnas. The women were no longer free to choose their husbands.

• How did the position of the Brahmins differ in the later Vedic Age?

Ans. The status of the Brahmins increased significantly in the Later Vedic Age. The society considered them as the highest Varna. The Brahmins held important roles as priests, teachers, and scholars. The people granted them so much privilege and respect because they believed the Brahmins were close to the gods.

STRUCTURED QUESTIONS FOR ICSE CLASS 9 HISTORY THE VEDIC PERIOD QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

1. Discuss the significance of the Vedas, Epics, and iron in understanding the Vedic Age.

Ans. The Vedas, Epics and iron play a major role in helping us to understand the Vedic Age:

(i)            The Vedas: The Vedas are sacred texts that provide direct insights into the Vedic Age. They contain hymns, rituals, and philosophical discussions, revealing the society’s religious beliefs, practices and social norms. The Vedas are crucial for understanding the cultural, politics and economy of the time.

(ii)           The Epics: The Epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, offer valuable information about the Vedic Age, though composed later. They provide insights into societal values, political systems, and cultural practices, complementing the Vedic texts.

(iii)          Iron: Iron was introduced in the Later Vedic Age. This brought a significant change in the Aryan society. Aryans used iron tools to improve their agriculture. This increased food production and population growth. This advancement in technology further influenced the Aryan society and their economy.

                   Together, these sources provide a comprehensive understanding of the Vedic Period, covering religious, social, economic and technological aspects.

• Discuss the social structure of the Vedic Age by answering the following:
• Describe the class divisions in Early Vedic Society.
• What social changes occurred during the Later Vedic Age?
• Outline the four stages of life (Ashramas) in Aryan society.

        Ans. Social structure of the Vedic Age:

• Class divisions in Early Vedic Society:  The Early Vedic society was divided into four varnas based on occupation:
• The Brahmins (priests and scholars)
• The Kshatriyas (rulers and warriors)
• The Vaishyas  (merchants and farmers)
• The Shudras (labourers)
• Social changes in the Later Vedic Age:  During the Later Vedic Age, the society underwent significant changes:
• The Varna system became more rigid and hereditary.
• The gap between higher and lower varnas widened.
• Rituals and ceremonies became more complex and important.
• The four stages of life (Ashramas):
• Brahmacharya: The first twenty five years of life or the Brahmacharya Ashrama was a period of education and training. Young people lived with the gurukul where the guru imported knowledge and education.
• Grihastha: The second stage which lasted upto fifty years was the Grihastha Ashrama. In this stage men would marry, raise a family and contribute to society.
• Vanaprastha: The third stage or the Vanaprastha comes after the Grihaprastha Ashrama. It lasted fifty to seventy five years. People detached themselves from material possessions and family responsibilities, focusing more on spiritual growth and self-reflection.
• Sanyasa: The last stage or the Sanyasa was from seventy-five to hundred years. At this stage men renounced all worldly attachments and dedicated themselves in spiritual pursuits and strive for moksha.
• Examine the economic organization of the Vedic society by addressing :
• Aryan agricultural methods.
• The importance of animal domestication.
• Trade practices during this period.

      Ans. Economic organization of the Vedic Society:

• Aryan Agriculture methods: The Aryans practiced agriculture using simple tools made of wood and copper. They used the plough to till the land. The Aryans grew crops like barley; wheat, and rice. They employed irrigation methods to support agriculture.
• Importance of animal domestication : The Aryans domesticated animals because they:
• Provided a source of food (milk, meat).
• Offered labour for agriculture (oxen for ploughing).
• Supplied materials like wool and leather.
• Facilitated transportation.

        (c)   Trade Practices: Trade during the Vedic period occurred locally and over long distances through rivers and land routes. It involved goods like grains, textiles and metals. Barter system was the primary mode of payment.