Q. With reference to the Early Vedic economy, consider the following statements:
1.Cattle rearing was the dominant occupation of the Early Vedic Aryans, with cows being central to their economic and social life.
2.Agriculture was entirely unknown to the Early Vedic people and finds no mention in the Rigvedic texts.
3.Economic transactions during the Early Vedic period were largely conducted through barter, with cows being a common medium of exchange.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Cattle rearing was the primary occupation of the Early Vedic Aryans, as evidenced by Rigvedic references such as gomat, duhitri, and gaveshana. Cows were central to their economy.
- While agriculture was not prominent, it was not entirely unknown. There are some references to cultivation of yava (barley), though they are fewer and possibly later additions.
- Barter was the main mode of economic exchange, and cows were a favoured medium of exchange. Priests often received cows and horses as part of their sacrificial fees.
Source- NCERT and Ancient India – NCERT (R.S.Sharma)
