Ancient History : Vedic Culture: Rig-Vedic

Q 4 / 10

UPSC CSE Prelims 2017

With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct ?

  1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
  2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
  3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (c)

Statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Statement 1: Rigvedic Aryans utilized protective equipment such as coats of mail (armour) and helmets during warfare, as evidenced by Vedic texts. Archaeological findings from the Indus Valley Civilization, however, do not indicate the use of such defensive gear by its inhabitants.

Statement 3: The Rigveda frequently mentions horses, indicating their significance and likely domestication by the Rigvedic Aryans. Conversely, there is a lack of conclusive archaeological evidence to suggest that the Indus Valley people were aware of or domesticated horses.

Incorrect Options:

Statement 2 is incorrect.

Both Rigvedic Aryans and the people of the Indus Valley Civilization were familiar with gold, silver, and copper. The knowledge and use of iron emerged later, primarily associated with the later Vedic period, and was unknown to the Indus Valley people.