UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 73 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Early Vedic Religion
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2012
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectAncient History
- TopicVedic Period
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeDirect
The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of
Show answer
Answer: C. Worship of nature and Yajnas
Verdict
Correct Answer: Worship of nature and Yajnas
Analysis
Early Vedic religion was simple, ritualistic and nature-centred.
The Aryans worshipped natural forces and performed yajnas to seek material prosperity.
1. Bhakti — Incorrect
Bhakti, in the sense of personal devotion to a chosen deity, was not the main feature of early Vedic religion.
It developed more clearly in later religious traditions and became prominent during the Bhakti movement.
2. Image worship — Incorrect
There is no clear evidence of idol or image worship in the early Vedic period.
Worship was mainly through hymns, prayers and fire rituals.
3. Worship of nature — Correct
Early Vedic people worshipped natural forces as deities.
Important deities included Indra, Agni, Varuna, Soma, Surya and Vayu.
4. Yajnas — Correct
Yajnas or sacrifices were the main mode of worship.
Offerings like ghee, milk and grains were made into the sacred fire, accompanied by chanting of Vedic hymns.
Extra UPSC info
* The Rig Vedic period is associated with early Vedic religion.
* Indra was the most important Rig Vedic deity.
* Agni acted as the intermediary between humans and gods.
* Varuna was associated with Rita, the cosmic order.
* Early Vedic worship mainly sought material gains like cattle, sons, rain and victory.
* Later Vedic religion saw more complex rituals and greater dominance of priests.
* Do not confuse early Vedic religion with later temple-based and idol-based worship.
How to crack it
Early Vedic religion was marked by worship of natural forces and yajnas, not Bhakti or image worship.