History · X-Factor Notes
Vedic Age revision notes for UPPCS Prelims.
25 revision facts
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Vedic Age Division | Divided into Rigvedic or Pre-Vedic Age (1500–1000 BCE) and Later-Vedic Age (1000–600 BCE). | N/A |
| The Vedas: Trayi | Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda are collectively called Vedtrayi or Trayi. | U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010 |
| Vedic Literature Sequence | The correct order of the four parts of each Veda is Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. | UPPCS (Mains) 2014 |
| Vedic Segments | Samhitas and Brahmanas form the Karma-Kanda segment, focusing on rituals. Aranyakas and Upanishads form the Gyan-Kanda segment, focusing on philosophy and spirituality. | |
| Rigveda Structure | The Rigveda has 10 mandals, 1028 suktas, and 10552 verses (Richas). It is an ancient collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns. | U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016 |
| Puranas: Indicators | The five characteristics that are indicators of Puranas are Sarga, Pratisarga (cosmogony/renovation), Vansa (history of Sage and God), Manvantara (period of Manus), and Vanshanucharita (Genealogy of kings). | UPPCS (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015 |
| Mahabharata Original Name | The Mahabharata originally had 8,800 Shlokas and was known as 'Jaya' or Jayasamhita. | U.P.R.O/A.R.O. (Pre) 2014 |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Varna System Origin | The Varna system is originally found in the 'Purush Sukta' of the 10th Mandal of the Rig Veda. The Varna Shudra is mentioned for the first time here. | |
| Magical Charms and Spells | The Atharvaveda contains an account of magical charms and spells. | UPPCS (Pre) 2003; U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002 |
| Ayurveda | 'Ayurveda' (Science of Life) first appeared in the Atharvaveda. | UPPCS (Pre) 1994 |
| Brahmana for Atharvaveda | The Gopatha Brahmana is the only Brahmana associated with the Atharvaveda. | U.P.R.O./A.R.O (Pre) 2014 |
| Samaveda Compilation | The compilation of the Samaveda is based upon the Rig Veda, as most of its verses are taken from it. | UPPCS (Pre) 1997 |
| Purushamedha Mention | The sacrificial formula 'Purushamedha' is mentioned in the Shatpatha Brahmana (of the Shukla Yajurveda). | U.P. P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008 |
| Nachiketa Legend | The legend of the conversation between Yama (Lord of death) and Nachiketa is found in the Kathopanishad. | UPPCS (Mains) 2006 |
| National Motto Source | The phrase "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs) is taken from the Mundakopanishad. | U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014 |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Axis of Aryan Culture | In the post-Vedic period, the region of Kuru and Panchala was considered the axis of Aryan culture, associated with major achievements in science, religion, and philosophy. | UPPCS (Mains) 2007 |
| Ancient River Naming | The Vedic river Askini is identified with the modern river Chenab. Parushni is Ravi; Vitasta is Jhelum; Shutudri is Sutlej. | UPPCS Pre 2012. |
| Political Status of Kings | King Asvapati of the Upanishadic period was the ruler of Kekaya. | UPPCS (Pre) 1999 |
| Chronological Era | The period 800 B.C. to 600 B.C. is generally related to the Brahmin era. | UPPCS (Pre) 2002 |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Most Valuable Property | Cows/Cattle were considered the most valuable property in the early Rigvedic period, as cattle breeding was the most important economic activity. | UPPCS (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015 |
| Status of Cow | The cow was referred to as "Aghanya" in the Rig Veda, meaning "not worthy to be killed," indicating its sacred status. | UPPCS (Pre) 2017 |
| Grain Mentioned | The word 'Yava' mentioned in the Rigveda is used for the food grain Barley. | UPPCS (Spl) (Mains) 2008 |
| Gold Ornament | 'Nishka' was the name for a gold ornament/gold necklace in ancient India. | UPPCS (Pre) 2005 |
| Administrative Terms | Bhagadugha was an official associated with revenue administration. The term Kosa relates to the treasury, while Kula, Vansha, and Gotra relate to the family system. | UPPCS (Pre) 2023 |
| Cosmic Order | 'Rita' is the Vedic term for the universal principle of natural order or harmony, upheld by the God Varuna ('Ritasyagopa'). |
