Class 9 The Vedic Period Mock Test (ICSE)

Topics in The Vedic Period

• The Vedas and the epics
• Early Vedic polity, family and assemblies
• Position of women and economy in Early and Later Vedic periods
• Varnas, ashramas and education

The Vedic Period practice questions with answers

1. Q1Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which of the following was considered the primary measure of wealth and the most important economic asset in the Early Vedic period?

   1. (a)Land, particularly farm fields
   2. (b)Gold, particularly ornaments
   3. (c)Cattle, particularly cows
   4. (d)Grain, particularly barley
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (c) Cattle, particularly cows+1

   Answer: (c)
2. Q2Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which of the following is considered the oldest of the four Vedas and contains hymns dedicated to various deities?

   1. (a)Yajur Veda
   2. (b)Sama Veda
   3. (c)Atharva Veda
   4. (d)Rig Veda
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (d)+1

   Answer: (d)
3. Q3Multiple choice·1 mark
   In the traditional system of four ashramas, which stage of life is dedicated to family life and fulfilling worldly duties as a householder?

   1. (a)Sanyasa
   2. (b)Grihastha
   3. (c)Brahmacharya
   4. (d)Vanaprastha
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (b)+1

   Answer: (b)
4. Q4Short answer·2 marks
   State two functions of the Samiti in the Early Vedic polity.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. First function, any one of: electing (or re-electing, even removing) the king (Rajan); discussing matters of state policy and general administration of the tribe; advising the king and keeping a check on his powers; or any other valid function.+1
   2. Second function, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: Any two of: electing or re-electing the king; discussing state policy and administration; advising the king and checking his powers.
5. Q5Long answer·4 marks
   The Vedic civilization witnessed significant transitions in social structure and sustenance over the centuries. In this context, answer the following: (a) State two rights or privileges enjoyed by women in the Early Vedic period. (b) Mention two prominent features of the economic life in the Later Vedic period.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. (a) First right or privilege, any one of: access to education, with women such as Apala, Ghosha, Lopamudra and Vishvavara composing Rig Vedic hymns; attending the tribal assemblies (sabha and samiti); taking part in sacrifices and religious rites with their husbands; marrying at a mature age and having a say in choosing a husband; widow remarriage was allowed; or any other valid right.+1
   2. (a) Second right or privilege, a different one from the same list.+1
   3. (b) First feature, any one of: agriculture replaced cattle-rearing as the main occupation; iron tools and ploughshares were used to clear forests and plough land in the Ganga plain; crops such as rice, wheat and barley were cultivated; specialised crafts grew (carpenters, smiths, potters, weavers, jewellers); trade expanded, with gold pieces such as the nishka used as units of value; or any other valid feature.+1
   4. (b) Second feature, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: (a) Any two of: access to education (e.g. Apala, Ghosha and Lopamudra composed hymns); attending the sabha and samiti; taking part in sacrifices with their husbands; marrying at a mature age with a say in choosing a husband; widow remarriage. (b) Any two of: agriculture became the main occupation; iron tools were used to clear forests and plough; rice, wheat and barley were grown; specialised crafts grew; trade expanded, with the nishka as a unit of value.
6. Q6Long answer·4 marks
   Contrast the position of women during the Early Vedic period with the Later Vedic period by stating two key differences. Additionally, explain how the economy transitioned from the pastoral nature of the Early Vedic period to the settled agrarian economy of the Later Vedic period.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. First difference, any one of: education: Early Vedic women were educated and some composed hymns, while in the Later Vedic period their access to education declined; assemblies: Early Vedic women attended the sabha and samiti, while Later Vedic women were excluded from them; marriage: Early Vedic women married at a mature age and could remarry if widowed, while child marriage began to appear in the Later Vedic period; rituals: Early Vedic women took part in sacrifices with their husbands, while Later Vedic women lost many religious rights; status: women were respected in Early Vedic society, while their status fell and the birth of a daughter came to be regretted; or any other valid difference.+1
   2. Second difference, a different one from the same list.+1
   3. Early Vedic economy was predominantly pastoral; cattle rearing was the chief occupation and cows served as the primary measure of wealth.+1
   4. Later Vedic economy transformed into a settled agrarian society driven by the clearing of forests, introduction of iron implements, and crop cultivation.+1

   Answer: Women, any two of: education (available in the Early Vedic period, declining later); assemblies (attended earlier, excluded later); marriage (mature marriage and widow remarriage earlier, child marriage appearing later); rituals (shared earlier, many rights lost later); status (respected earlier, lowered later). Economy: the Early Vedic people were pastoral, with cattle as the main wealth; in the Later Vedic period iron tools let them clear forests and settle as farmers growing crops.

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