Q. 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.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • 1 only
  • 2 and 3 only
  • 1 and 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Notes:
Rig Vedic Aryans vs. Indus Valley People:
  • Use of Armor in Warfare:
    • Rig Vedic Aryans utilized armor and helmets during warfare, whereas the Indus Valley Civilization did not leave evidence of similar protective gear.
  • Knowledge of Metals:
    • Rig Vedic Aryans were knowledgeable about gold, silver, and copper.
    • However, the Indus Valley people also had knowledge of bronze (copper and tin alloy) and possibly iron.
  • Domestication of Horses:
    • The Rig Vedic Aryans domesticated horses, while there is no substantial evidence that the Indus Valley people were aware of horses.
  • Tribal Society Structure:
    • The Rig Vedic society was primarily divided into three groups: warriors, priests, and the common people.
    • A fourth group, the Sudras, emerged towards the end of the Rig Vedic period, first mentioned in the tenth Book of the Rig Veda, which is the most recent.
  • Presence of Slavery:
    • References in the Rig Veda indicate the existence of slaves, primarily women, who were given as gifts to priests and employed for domestic purposes.
    • Slaves were not directly used in agriculture or production activities during this period.
  • Occupational Differentiation:
    • While there was a beginning of occupational differentiation, it was not rigid, as many families engaged in various occupations simultaneously.
  • Social Structure:
    • Tribal elements in society were prominent, with no significant social divisions based on tax collection or the accumulation of land.
    • The society maintained a largely egalitarian structure, indicating a lack of feudalism during the Rig Vedic period.
Difference between Harappa and Vedic Civilization