UPSC Prelims Marathon 18 August – Vedic Texts – 2026

Consider the following information:
Brahmana TextAssociated VedaSignificance
1.Aitareya BrahmanaRigvedaDetails royal coronation ceremonies
2.Shatapatha BrahmanaYajurvedaElaborates on sacrificial altar construction and agriculture
3.Panchavimsha BrahmanaSamavedaDetails rituals associated with Soma sacrifices
4.Taittiriya BrahmanaAtharvavedaContains philosophical discourses on astronomical sacrifices
In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

Which of the following statements regarding the Upanishadic literature is/are correct?
1.They mark a transition from ritualistic action to spiritual knowledge.
2.The phrase Satyameva Jayate is taken from the Chandogya Upanishad.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Consider the following pairs of Upavedas and their traditional subjects:
UpavedaTraditional SubjectAssociated Veda
1.AyurvedaMedicinal Science and HealthRigveda
2.DhanurvedaArchery and WarfareYajurveda
3.GandharvavedaMusic, Dance, and Performing ArtsSamaveda
4.ShilpavedaArchitecture and Sculptural ArtsAtharvaveda
In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

Which of the following characterizes/characterize the Vedangas?
1.Shiksha deals with phonetics and proper pronunciation of Vedic mantras.
2.Nirukta focuses on etymology and the origin of Vedic words.
3.Kalpa deals with grammar and linguistic rules of Vedic Sanskrit.
Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:

Consider the following statements regarding the Kalpa Sutra texts:
1.The Shulva Sutras contain rules for geometric construction of sacrificial altars.
2.The Grihya Sutras outline domestic rites of passage such as birth, marriage, and funeral ceremonies.
3.The Dharma Sutras deal primarily with social duties, ethical conduct, and legal responsibilities.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

With reference to ancient Indian legal texts and epics, consider the following statements:
1.Dharmashastras such as Manusmriti and Yajnavalkya Smriti are classified as Shruti literature.
2.The Bhagavad Gita forms a section of the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following archaeological findings provide material evidence for the cultural practices of the Vedic period?
1.Gangetic Copper Hoards indicating early metal tool production.
2.Clay-lined fire altars (Havan Kunds) found at sites like Kalibangan and Lothal.
3.Iron implements excavated in the Gangetic basin used for forest clearing and agriculture.
Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:

Which one of the following ancient texts constitutes the primary literary source for the Early Vedic Period, distinct from those that define the Later Vedic Period?