1. why were sacrifices performed during the Vedic period? a) For the birth of daughters b) for the birth of sons

Question

Read the following passage and answer the question:

A prayer to Agni Here are two verses from the Rigveda invoking Agni, the god of fire, often identified with the sacrificial fire, into which offerings were made so as to reach the other deities: Bring, O strong one, this sacrifice of ours to the gods, O wise one, as a liberal giver. Bestow on us, O priest, abundant food. Agni, obtain, by sacrificing, mighty wealth for us. Procure, O Agni, for ever to him who prays to you (the gift of) nourishment, the wonderful cow. May a son be ours, offspring that continues our line … Verses such as these were composed in a special kind of Sanskrit, known as Vedic Sanskrit They were taught orally to men belonging to priestly families.

1. why were sacrifices performed during the Vedic period?

a) For the birth of daughters

b) for the birth of sons

c) For seeking the blessings of Buddha

d) none of the above

2. Consider the following statements –

i) Rig-Veda consists of hymns in praise of Agni, Indra, and Soma etc

ii) Many of these hymns were chanted when sacrifices were performed.

Choose the correct option

a) Only (i) is correct

b) only (ii) is correct

c) Both (i) and (ii) are correct

d) neither (i) nor (ii) is correct

3. Sacrifices such as the.............. And.............. were performed by chiefs and kings.

Answer 1

1. b) for the birth of sons

Sacrifices were performed for the birth of sons, as the chants like ‘May a son be ours, offspring that continues our line … ‘were chanted.

2. c) both (i) and (ii) are correct

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.

3. Rajasuya and ashwamedha

elaborate sacrifices, such as the rajasuya and ashvamedha, were performed by chiefs and kings to establish their kingdoms, and prove their sovereignty; they depended on Brahmana priests to conduct the ritual.