Vedic Age

At the banks of which of the following rivers was the Battle of Ten Kings fought in the Early Vedic Period ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Sarasvati” option2=”Drishadvati” option3=”Parushni” option4=”Shutudri” correct=”option3″]

The Battle of Ten Kings (Dasarajna) was fought on the banks of the river Parushni.

– The Parushni river is identified with the modern Ravi river.
– This significant battle is mentioned in the Rigveda (Book 7).
– The battle was fought between King Sudas of the Bharata tribe and a confederation of ten tribes.

– The Sarasvati and Drishadvati were other important rivers in the Vedic period, often mentioned in relation to settlements.
– The Shutudri is identified with the Sutlej river.
– The Battle of Ten Kings was a pivotal event in the history of the Rigvedic tribes, leading to the consolidation of power for the Bharatas.

Which of the following Gods are also known as Lokapalas or the Guardians of the Universe?

[amp_mcq option1=”Yama, Indra, Varuna and Kubera” option2=”Indra, Varuna, Skanda and Kubera” option3=”Indra, Varuna, Yama and Brahma” option4=”Yama, Shiva, Kubera and Indra” correct=”option1″]

The Lokapalas are the guardians of the directions in Hinduism. The most common and primary set of four Lokapalas are associated with the four cardinal directions: Indra (East), Yama (South), Varuna (West), and Kubera (North). These four deities are considered protectors of the universe from their respective directions.

The term ‘Lokapala’ translates to ‘Guardian of the World’ or ‘Guardian of the Universe’. These deities are traditionally associated with protecting the cardinal directions.

While there are sometimes eight Lokapalas associated with the eight directions (including the intermediate ones), the set of four provided in Option A (Indra, Yama, Varuna, Kubera) is a well-recognised principal group of Lokapalas representing the main directions. Other deities often included are Ishana (North-East), Agni (South-East), Nirrti (South-West), and Vayu (North-West). Skanda is the god of war, Brahma is the creator god, and Shiva is one of the principal deities in the Hindu Trimurti, none of whom are typically listed among the primary Lokapalas in this context.

In the 10th Mandala of the Rigveda, which one of the following hymns reflects upon the marriage ceremonies?

[amp_mcq option1=”Surya Sukta” option2=”Purusha Sukta” option3=”Dana Stutis” option4=”Urna Sutra” correct=”option1″]

The tenth Mandala of the Rigveda contains various hymns dealing with different aspects of life and cosmology. The Surya Sukta (RV 10.85) is the hymn that specifically reflects upon marriage ceremonies.

The Surya Sukta describes the wedding of Surya, the daughter of the Sun god (Surya), with Soma, a deity often associated with the moon or a ritual drink. The hymn details the marriage procession, wedding rituals, and prayers for the well-being and prosperity of the newly married couple. It is still recited during Hindu marriage ceremonies today.

– **Purusha Sukta (RV 10.90):** Describes the cosmic man (Purusha) from whose sacrifice the universe and the four varnas (social classes) originated.
– **Dana Stutis:** These are hymns scattered throughout the Rigveda (mostly in the later Mandalas) that praise the generosity of patrons (dānapati) who donated gifts (dana) to the Rishis who composed the hymns.
– **Urna Sutra:** This term does not refer to a specific well-known hymn in the Rigveda; ‘Sutra’ usually refers to aphoristic texts, not Rigvedic hymns, and ‘Urna’ relates to wool or hair.