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Vedic Age Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the Vedic period?

A

A historical period in ancient India characterized by the composition of the Vedas.

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2
Q

When did the Vedic period approximately occur?

A

Around 1500 BCE to 500 BCE.

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3
Q

What are the four main Vedas?

A

Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.

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4
Q

True or False: The Vedas are the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism.

A

True.

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5
Q

Fill in the blank: The Vedic texts were originally transmitted orally before being written down in _____ language.

A

Sanskrit.

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6
Q

What is the primary focus of the Rigveda?

A

Hymns and praises to various deities.

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7
Q

Which Veda is associated with the rituals and ceremonies?

A

Yajurveda.

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8
Q

What is the significance of the Samaveda?

A

It consists of melodies and chants used in rituals.

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9
Q

True or False: The Atharvaveda contains spells and incantations.

A

True.

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10
Q

What is a key feature of Vedic society?

A

The social structure was divided into varnas or classes.

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11
Q

What are the four varnas in Vedic society?

A

Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.

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12
Q

What role did the Brahmins play in Vedic society?

A

They were priests and scholars responsible for rituals and preserving sacred knowledge.

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13
Q

What is the significance of the term ‘Dharma’ in Vedic texts?

A

It refers to duty, morality, and righteousness.

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14
Q

Fill in the blank: The Vedic period is also known for the development of _____ philosophy.

A

Indian.

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15
Q

Which text is considered a key philosophical work from the Vedic period?

A

The Upanishads.

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16
Q

True or False: The Upanishads focus on rituals and external practices.

A

False.

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17
Q

What concept does ‘Brahman’ represent in Vedic philosophy?

A

The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit.

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18
Q

What does ‘Atman’ refer to in Vedic texts?

A

The individual soul or self.

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19
Q

What is the relationship between Brahman and Atman according to Vedic philosophy?

A

Atman is seen as a part of Brahman.

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20
Q

What type of literature emerged during the Vedic period?

A

Sanskrit literature, including hymns, rituals, and philosophical texts.

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21
Q

True or False: The Vedic period saw the rise of urban centers and complex societies.

A

False.

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22
Q

What type of economy did Vedic society primarily have?

A

Agrarian and pastoral.

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23
Q

What is ‘Yajna’ in the context of Vedic rituals?

A

A Vedic fire sacrifice performed to appease deities.

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24
Q

Fill in the blank: The Vedic people worshipped a variety of _____ and natural forces.

A

deities.

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25
Q

What does ‘Samsara’ refer to in Vedic thought?

A

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

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26
Q

What is ‘Karma’ in the context of Vedic beliefs?

A

The principle of cause and effect governing actions and their consequences.

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27
Q

True or False: The Vedic texts include guidance on moral and ethical living.

A

True.

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28
Q

What is the significance of the term ‘Rta’ in Vedic cosmology?

A

It refers to the cosmic order or truth that governs the universe.

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29
Q

Which deity is often associated with the Vedic sky?

A

Indra.

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30
Q

What is the role of ‘Soma’ in Vedic rituals?

A

A sacred drink associated with divine inspiration and immortality.

31
Q

Fill in the blank: The Vedic period laid the foundation for _____ traditions in India.

A

Hindu.

32
Q

What were the primary means of transmission for Vedic knowledge?

A

Oral tradition.

33
Q

True or False: The later Vedic texts reflect changes in social and political structures.

A

True.

34
Q

What is the significance of the term ‘Vedic’?

A

It refers to anything related to the Vedas and their teachings.

35
Q

What was the primary language of the Vedic texts?

A

Sanskrit.

36
Q

What is the role of ‘Grihastha’ in Vedic society?

A

The householder stage of life where individuals engage in family and social duties.

37
Q

Fill in the blank: The Vedic period is characterized by a strong emphasis on _____ and ritual.

A

sacrifice.

38
Q

What is ‘Brahmanas’ in the context of Vedic literature?

A

Prose texts that explain the rituals and ceremonies of the Vedas.

39
Q

True or False: The Vedic period ended with the rise of Buddhism.

A

False.

40
Q

What is ‘Aranyakas’ in Vedic texts?

A

Texts that serve as a bridge between the ritualistic Brahmanas and the philosophical Upanishads.

41
Q

What does the term ‘Moksha’ signify in Vedic philosophy?

A

Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

42
Q

Fill in the blank: The transition from the Vedic period to the post-Vedic period is marked by the increased importance of _____ texts.

A

philosophical.

43
Q

What is the significance of the term ‘Veda’?

A

It means ‘knowledge’ or ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit.

44
Q

What is the primary focus of Vedic rituals?

A

To maintain cosmic order and secure blessings from deities.

45
Q

True or False: The Vedic period is known for the absence of written texts.

A

True.

46
Q

What is ‘Sadhana’ in the context of Vedic practice?

A

Spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving spiritual goals.

47
Q

Fill in the blank: The Vedic texts emphasize the importance of _____ and truthfulness.

A

righteousness.

48
Q

What is the role of ‘Kshatriyas’ in Vedic society?

A

Warriors and rulers responsible for protection and governance.

49
Q

What does ‘Vaishyas’ refer to in Vedic society?

A

The merchant and agricultural class responsible for trade and commerce.

50
Q

True or False: The Shudras were the highest caste in Vedic society.

A

False.

51
Q

What does ‘Vedic cosmology’ describe?

A

The structure and origin of the universe according to Vedic texts.

52
Q

Fill in the blank: The Vedic period is significant for the development of early _____ in India.

A

philosophy.

53
Q

What is the significance of ‘Rishi’ in Vedic literature?

A

A sage or seer who composed the hymns of the Vedas.

54
Q

What is the meaning of ‘Sanskrit’?

A

An ancient Indo-European language of India, the language of the Vedas.

55
Q

What is ‘Vedanta’?

A

A philosophical school that interprets the teachings of the Upanishads.

56
Q

True or False: The Vedic texts are primarily concerned with philosophical inquiry.

A

False.

57
Q

Fill in the blank: The _____ are considered the last part of the Vedic literature.

A

Upanishads.

58
Q

What does the term ‘Ritual’ refer to in the context of Vedic practices?

A

Structured ceremonies performed for spiritual or religious purposes.

59
Q

What is the significance of ‘Sutra’ in Vedic literature?

A

A concise aphorism or rule in Sanskrit that conveys philosophical ideas.

60
Q

Fill in the blank: The Vedic period is often associated with the _____ of the Indo-Aryans.

A

migration.

61
Q

What is the purpose of ‘Mantras’ in Vedic rituals?

A

Chanted verses intended to invoke spiritual energy and deities.

62
Q

What does ‘Agnivansha’ refer to in Vedic society?

A

The lineage of those who serve the fire deity, Agni.

63
Q

True or False: The Vedic period was marked by a centralized political authority.

A

False.

64
Q

What is ‘Vedic astrology’ based on?

A

The positions of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs.

65
Q

Fill in the blank: The Vedic texts were composed during a time of _____ and pastoralism.

A

tribalism.

66
Q

What does ‘Jati’ refer to in Vedic society?

A

A sub-caste or community within the varna system.

67
Q

What is the role of ‘Shudras’ in Vedic society?

A

Laborers and service providers supporting the other varnas.

68
Q

True or False: The Vedic period had a strong emphasis on material wealth.

A

False.

69
Q

What is the significance of ‘Pranayama’ in Vedic practices?

A

Breathing techniques used for meditation and spiritual growth.

70
Q

Fill in the blank: The Vedic texts emphasize the importance of _____ in achieving spiritual goals.

A

discipline.

71
Q

What is ‘Tapas’ in the context of Vedic philosophy?

A

Austerity and self-discipline practiced for spiritual advancement.

72
Q

What does ‘Sankhya’ refer to in Vedic philosophy?

A

A school of thought that outlines a dualistic cosmology.

73
Q

Fill in the blank: The Vedic period is characterized by the use of _____ in rituals.

A

fire.

History (20 decks)

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