Pakistan Studies/Affairs MCQs
Topic Notes: Pakistan Studies/Affairs
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
The word 'Om' is first mentioned in which Upanishad?
Answer:
Mandukya Upanishad
While 'Om' appears in Vedas, the Mandukya Upanishad is entirely devoted to the exposition of the syllable 'Om'.
2
Which region was known as 'Brahmavarta'?
Answer:
The land between Saraswati and Drishadvati
Brahmavarta was the holy land between the rivers Saraswati and Drishadvati, considered the center of Vedic culture.
3
The priest associated with the Rigveda is known as:
Answer:
Hotri
The Hotri was the priest responsible for invoking the gods by reciting hymns from the Rigveda. Udgatri was for Samaveda, Adhvaryu for Yajurveda, and Brahma for Atharvaveda.
4
The 'Ashrama' system (stages of life) was fully established in which period?
Answer:
Later Vedic Period
The four Ashramas (Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Sannyasa) as a structured system of life stages developed during the Later Vedic period.
5
Which of the following women scholars is mentioned in the Rigveda?
Answer:
Lopamudra
Lopamudra (wife of Sage Agastya) is a prominent female sage (Rishika) whose hymns are found in the Rigveda. Gargi and Maitreyi appear in the later Upanishads.
6
What was the 'Gavisthi'?
Answer:
Search for cows (War)
Since cows were the main form of wealth, wars were often fought to acquire them. 'Gavisthi' literally means 'search for cows' but came to mean 'to fight' or 'war'.
7
The God 'Rudra' in the Rigveda is a precursor to which later Hindu deity?
Answer:
Shiva
Rudra, a storm god associated with wind and healing/disease in the Rigveda, is considered the early form or precursor of Lord Shiva.
8
In the Rigvedic era, 'Nishka' was an ornament which later became a unit of:
Answer:
Currency
Nishka was originally a gold neck ornament but later evolved into a unit of value or currency (coin) in trade.
9
What does the term 'Dvija' (Twice-born) refer to?
Answer:
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas
'Dvija' refers to the top three varnas who were entitled to the Upanayana (sacred thread) ceremony, which was considered a second, spiritual birth.
10
The 'Aranyakas' are also known as:
Answer:
Forest Books
Aranyakas ('Forest Books') are the texts meant to be studied in the forest (Aranya) by hermits. They bridge the gap between the ritualistic Brahmanas and the philosophical Upanishads.