Read the passage and answer the questions:
"The mid-first millennium BCE saw the emergence of thinkers such as Mahavira and Gautama Buddha in India. Many tried to understand the mysteries of existence and the relationship between human beings and cosmic order. This was also the time when new kingdoms and cities were developing and social and economic life was changing in the Ganga Valley."
The Rigveda consists of hymns in praise of which of the main deities?
A. Vishnu
B. Agni
C. Shiva
D. Soma
E. Indra
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → B, D, E only
A. Vishnu Incorrect. Vishnu is not one of the main deities of the Rigvedic hymns. He rose to prominence much later, in the Puranic tradition, when Vaishnavism developed from about the second century BCE.
B. Agni Correct. The Rigveda consists of hymns in praise of a variety of deities, especially Agni, Indra and Soma.
C. Shiva Incorrect. Shiva, too, belongs to the later Puranic tradition; Shaivism developed, like Vaishnavism, from about the second century BCE.
D. Soma Correct. Soma is one of the three deities the hymns praise most.
E. Indra Correct. Indra is the third of them. Many of these hymns were chanted when sacrifices were performed.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.1 The sacrificial tradition … There were several pre-existing traditions of thought, religious belief and practice, including the early Vedic tradition, known from the Rigveda, compiled between c.1500 and 1000 BCE. The Rigveda consists of hymns in praise of a variety of deities, especially Agni, Indra and Soma. Many of these hymns were chanted when sacrifices were performed, where people prayed for cattle, sons, good health, long life, etc.…” |