History · X-Factor Notes
The Vedic Age revision notes for UPPCS Prelims.
26 revision facts
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Division of Vedic Age | Rigvedic or Pre-Vedic Age (1500-1000 BCE) and Later-Vedic Age (1000-600 BCE). | |
| Parts of Vedas (order) | Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads. | |
| Karma-Kanda segment of Vedas | Samhitas and Brahmanas. | |
| Gyan-Kanda segment of Vedas | Aranyakas and Upanishads (focus on philosophy and spirituality). | |
| Earliest composition (Veda) | Rigveda. | |
| Vedas called ‘Trayi’ or ‘Vedatrayi’ | Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda. | U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010 |
| Compilation based upon Rig Veda | Samaveda (shortest Veda; compiled for ritual application; most verses taken from Rigveda). | UPPCS (Pre) 1997 |
| Purush Sukta (Varna System) location | Originally found in the Rig Veda. | |
| Atharvaveda content | Describes thoughts and superstitions of common people; first reference to Anga and Magadha found here. | |
| Ayurveda | Upaveda of Atharvaveda; describes the 'Science of Life'. | |
| Gopatha Brahmana | The only Brahmana associated with the Atharvaveda. | U.P.R.O./A.R.O (Pre) 2014 |
| Brahman texts related to Yajurveda | Taittiriya and Shatpatha. | |
| Upanishads | Focus on philosophy and spirituality; Moksha (salvation/liberation) was first discussed here (not in Vedas). | |
| Nachiketa legend mention | Finds mention in Kathopanishad (conversation between Yama and Nachiketa). | UPPCS (Mains) 2006 |
| Phrase "Satyameva Jayate" | Taken from the Mundakopanishad; meaning “Truth Alone Triumphs”. | |
| Phrase “Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya” | Originally mentioned in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. | |
| Puranas | 18 Puranas in total; Srimad Bhagvatam is considered the ‘Crown Jewel’. Vayu Purana mentions the ancient name Nilotpala for Mahanadi. | |
| Mahabharata | Originally had 8,800 Shlokas, named ‘Jaya’. Srimad Bhagavad Gita is part of Mahabharata, originally written in Sanskrit. |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Most mentioned river in Rigveda | Indus (Sindhu). | |
| Most sacred river in Rigveda | Saraswati, known as ‘Matetama,’ ‘Devitama,’ and ‘Naditama’. | |
| Mention of Ganga and Yamuna in Rigveda | Yamuna mentioned three times, Ganga mentioned one time. | |
| Vedic Rivers and Modern Names | Kubha - Kabul; Parushni - Ravi; Sadaneera - Gandak; Shutudri - Sutlej. | UPPCS (Pre) 2012 |
| Axis of Aryan Culture (Post-Vedic period) | Kuru and Panchala regions, noted for achievements in science, mathematics, astronomy, religion, and philosophy. | UPPCS (Mains) 2007 |
| King Asvapati | Kshatriya king and learned teacher; ruler of Kekaya during the Upanishadic period. | UPPCS (Pre) 1999 |
| Contrast: Rigvedic Aryans vs. Indus Valley people | Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver, and copper; Indus Valley people knew copper and bronze (not iron). Rigvedic Aryans had weapons (coat of mail/helmet). | I.A.S. (Pre) 2017 |
| Iron | Not mentioned in Rigveda but found in later Vedic literature. |
