Q. Which of the following statements regarding the features of the Later Vedic Varna system are correct?
1.Society was organized into four distinct Varnas, with Upanayana restricted to the Dwijas.
2.Women of all four Varnas were universally granted the right to undergo the Upanayana ceremony.
3.Artisans like the Rathakaras held high status and were granted the right to wear the sacred thread.
4.The custom of Niyoga (widow remarriage to a brother-in-law) gained absolute theological supremacy and universal adoption.
Answer: A
Notes:
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The top three Varnas (Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya) were designated as Dwijas (“twice-born”) and possessed the exclusive privilege of undergoing the Upanayana ceremony.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Women were increasingly excluded from the Upanayana ceremony and Vedic studies during this phase.
- Statement 3 is correct: Rathakaras (chariot makers) maintained a respected social standing due to their vital role in military crafts and were entitled to the Upanayana ceremony.
- Statement 4 is incorrect: Unlike in the Early Vedic phase where Niyoga was widely accepted, the practice faced growing disapproval and restrictions in Later Vedic social codes.
