Q. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of (UPSC Prelims 2012)
Answer: Worship of nature and Yajnas
Notes: The correct answer is [C] Worship of nature and Yajnas.The early Vedic period (c. 1500 – 1000 BCE) was characterized by a specific form of religious practice that centered on the elements of the natural world and ritualistic sacrifices.Key Features of Early Vedic Religion

• Worship of Nature (Anthropomorphism): The early Aryans personified natural forces as deities. For example:
  • Indra: God of thunder and rain (the most important deity with 250 hymns).
  • Agni: God of fire (the intermediary between gods and men).
  • Varuna: Upholder of the cosmic order (Rta).
  • Soma: God of plants.
• Yajnas (Sacrifices): Rituals involved the offering of milk, ghee, grain, and sometimes animals into the sacred fire (Agni). These were performed to please the gods and seek blessings for cattle, children (praja), and victory in war.
• Prayers and Chants: The Rig Veda, the oldest of the four Vedas, consists of hymns (Suktas) meant to be recited during these sacrifices.

Why other options are incorrect?

• Bhakti (Options A & D): The concept of Bhakti (personal devotion to a specific god) developed much later in the post-Vedic and Puranic periods. Early Vedic religion was more about ritual accuracy than emotional devotion.
• Image Worship (Option B): There is no evidence of idol or image worship in the Early Vedic period. Deities were not represented in physical forms; they were invoked through fire and mantras. Temples did not exist; worship took place in open-air altars.