Q. Which of the following statements with regard to social structure in the Later Vedic Age is/are correct?
1.The Gotra system emerged during this period, strictly enforcing the rule of exogamy.
2.Women maintained political representation and continued to attend popular assemblies.
3.Polygamy became increasingly common among the ruling Kshatriya and royal elite.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer: A
Notes:
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The institution of Gotra (lineage traced to a common ancestor) appeared for the first time, establishing the practice of Gotra exogamy.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: The social status of women degraded in the Later Vedic phase; their access to public political assemblies like the Sabha and Samiti was curtailed.
- Statement 3 is correct: While monogamy was standard among commoners, polygamy became widespread among kings, nobles, and wealthy elites.
