U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017

Early Vedic Religion

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Study the following statements about the Vedic God Indra and select the correct answer: 1. Was the God of thunder. 2. Punished the sinners. 3. Was the guardian of the moral order. 4. Was the God of rain.

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept In the Rigveda, each deity represents specific natural forces and social functions.

Explanation Indra is the most important deity (250 hymns), called 'Purandara' (breaker of forts) and 'Vritrahan' (slayer of the drought-demon Vritra), which brings rain.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Indra is unequivocally the God of Thunder (Vajra) and Rain (1 & 4).
Logic 2: Varuna (not Indra) is the guardian of the moral order (Rita) (3).
Logic 3: Yama is primarily responsible for punishing sinners (2).

Active Recall

Question

Why was Indra the most popular god among the Early Aryans?

Answer

As a warrior-hero and god of rain, he fulfilled the two most vital needs of a pastoral-martial society: protection in war and fertility for the land.

Core Insight

Indra's character as a hero who liberates water from the demon Vritra is a central myth representing the struggle of the Aryans to secure the environment.