SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 33

Solution: The correct answer is Aryans and composition of the Vedas.
Explanation:
☛ The Vedic period (c. 1500 BCE – 600 BCE) marks the era in ancient Indian history when the sacred texts known as the Vedas were composed.
☛ This period is directly associated with the Indo-Aryans who settled primarily in the northwest region of the Indian subcontinent (the Sapta Sindhu region) and later expanded into the Gangetic plains.
☛ The Vedic era is traditionally divided into two phases: the Early Vedic period (Rigvedic period, c. 1500–1000 BCE) and the Later Vedic period (c. 1000–600 BCE).
☛ The primary literary source for this period is the Rigveda, along with the Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, which provide deep insights into the religious, social, and political life of the Aryans.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Megalithic burials: These are characteristic of the Iron Age in peninsular and South India, where large stone slabs were used to mark graves.
☛ Buddhist stupas: These mound-like structures emerged primarily during the post-Vedic era, particularly flourishing during the Mauryan period under Emperor Ashoka.
☛ Roman trade: Indo-Roman maritime and overland trade reached its peak during the Post-Mauryan and Sangam periods (around 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE), prominent at sites like Arikamedu.
☛ In the Early Vedic society, the basic social unit was the Kula (family), headed by the Kulapa, while the tribal head was called the Rajan.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which is the oldest among the four Vedas? → Rigveda
☛ The famous 'Gayatri Mantra' is found in which Mandala of the Rigveda? → Third Mandala
☛ What was the primary metal referred to as 'Ayas' in the Early Vedic period? → Copper or Bronze
☛ Which two popular assemblies assisted the king in governance during the Vedic period? → Sabha and Samiti
☛ The battle of ten kings ('Dasharajna War') was fought on the banks of which river? → Parushni (Ravi)