2004 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2004 · General Studies

Question 27: History and Culture

Which one of the following four Vedas contains an account of magical charms and spells?

aRig-veda
bYajur-veda
cAtharva-veda
dSama-veda

AnswerThe answer is (c).

The Atharvaveda contains charms and spells for curing disease, warding off evil and winning favour, and reflects the beliefs of ordinary people. The Rigveda has hymns to the gods, the Yajurveda has sacrificial formulae, and the Samaveda has melodies largely drawn from the Rigveda. Remember: Rig for hymns, Yajur for rituals, Sama for songs, Atharva for magic.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) The Rigveda is a collection of hymns to the gods.
  • (b) The Yajurveda has the formulae used in sacrifices.
  • (c) Correct: the Atharvaveda contains magical charms and spells.
  • (d) The Samaveda is a book of chants set to melody.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2004, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.