Q. Which of the following characterizes/characterize the economic life of the Early Vedic Period?
1.Cattle rearing was the primary occupation, and wealth was measured in terms of cows.
2.Terms like Gomat and Duhitri derived their linguistic origins from the word for cow.
3.Landed property formed the chief source of private wealth and was frequently gifted to priests.
Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:
Answer: A
Notes:
Detailed Explanation:
- Statements 1 and 2 are correct: The Early Vedic economy was predominantly pastoral. Cows (Go) were the primary measure of wealth. Vocabulary reflected this: a wealthy man was Gomat, a daughter was Duhitri (“one who milks the cow”), and tribal conflicts were termed Gavishti (search for cows).
- Statement 3 is incorrect: There was no private ownership of land during the Rigvedic phase. Priests received cows, horses, and gold ornaments as ritual fees (dakshina), but never land gifts.
