Which of the following statements with regard to political changes in the Later Vedic Age is/are correct? 1. Territorial identity replaced clan-based tribal identity. 2. Popular tribal assemblies like the Sabha and Samiti gained absolute authority over the king. 3. Brahmanical rituals and grand sacrifices were utilized to legitimize the concept of divine kingship. Select the answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 1 and 3 only

[C] 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Notes:

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Settled agriculture tied clans to specific regions, leading to the shift from mobile tribal units (Jana) to fixed territorial entities (Janapadas).
Statement 2 is incorrect: The power of popular assemblies like the Sabha and Samiti declined significantly, while the authority of the monarch grew stronger and more autocratic.
Statement 3 is correct: Kingship became increasingly hereditary, and royal authority was sacralized through grand sacrifices (Yajnas) performed by Brahmana priests.