GS PrelimsHistory (Ancient India)Rig Veda Age2012

The religion of early Vedic, Aryans was primarily of

A

Bhakti

B

image worship and Yajnas

C

worship of nature, and Yajnas

D

worship of nature and Bhakti

Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation

1. The religion of the early Vedic Aryans (Rigvedic period, c. 1500-1000 BCE) centered around the veneration of natural forces personified as deities. 2. Option (C) is the most accurate description. They primarily practiced worship of nature gods representing phenomena like the sun (Surya), dawn (Ushas), fire (Agni), wind (Vayu), rain/thunder (Indra), etc. The core ritual practice was the performance of Yajnas (sacrifices), involving offerings (like soma, ghee, grain) made into the sacred fire (Agni) to appease the gods and seek blessings. 3. Option (A) is incorrect. Bhakti (devotional worship focusing on a personal relationship with a deity) developed significantly later in Indian religious history, mainly in the post-Vedic and Puranic periods. 4. Option (B) is partially correct about Yajnas but incorrect about image worship. There is little evidence of widespread image worship (idol worship) during the early Vedic period; worship was primarily aniconic or focused on natural elements and the sacrificial fire. 5. Option (D) is incorrect because, as mentioned, Bhakti was not a primary feature of early Vedic religion.

More History (Ancient India) PYQs

View all History (Ancient India) questions →

Master UPSC Revision

Get 10,000+ topic-wise MCQs, spaced repetition, daily CSAT challenges, and detailed performance analytics.

Coming Soon to Play Store
Coming Soon to Play Store