Q. Which of the following statements regarding the features of the Later Vedic economy and urbanization are correct?
1.Agricultural expansion led to a population surge and the growth of proto-urban settlements like Hastinapur and Kaushambi.
2.Standardized metallic currency system was fully established and regulated by a central authority.
3.Incipient metallic units like Krishnala, Satamana, and Nishka made their appearance during this period.
4.Nishka replaced cows as a recognized unit of value in economic transactions.
Answer: C
Notes:
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Agricultural expansion generated surpluses that sustained larger, permanent settlements like Hastinapur and Kaushambi, which began acquiring rudimentary urban characteristics.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: There was no regular or standardized system of official coinage regulated by a central authority during the Later Vedic Period; barter remained widespread.
- Statement 3 is correct: Weighted metallic units or bullion pieces such as Krishnala, Satamana, and Nishka appeared as transitional forms toward currency.
- Statement 4 is correct: In economic transactions, Nishka increasingly replaced cows as a standard unit of value.
