Q. With reference to social differentiation in the Early Vedic phase, consider the following statements:
1.Term Varna was originally used in the Rigveda to denote color, distinguishing the Aryas from the indigenous Dasas/Dasyus.
2.Early Vedic society was rigidly divided into hereditary occupational castes with strict prohibitions on inter-dining.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Initially, Varna referred to color or complexion, used primarily to differentiate the incoming Arya Varna from the indigenous Dasa Varna.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Early Vedic society was flexible and not rigidly stratified into hereditary castes. Occupation was not birth-based, and there were no rigid taboos on inter-dining or inter-marriage during the Early Vedic Period (hereditary Varna division crystallized later).
