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 the 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: (2017)
✓ Correct answer: c) 1 and 3 only
ExplanationThe Indus Valley Civilization was highly materialistic, with advanced urban infrastructure, standardized weights, and extensive trade networks.In contrast, the Rig Vedic Civilization had a more pastoral economy, focusing on cattle wealth and ritualistic offerings rather than large-scale material production or urban development.Statement 1 is correct: The Rigvedic Aryans are described in the Rigveda as using advanced weapons and armor, including coats of mail and helmets.In contrast, the Indus Valley Civilization shows no evidence of such organized military gear, suggesting a less militaristic society.Statement 2 is incorrect: The Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver, and copper, while the Indus Valley Civilization used copper and bronze, lacking iron.Iron technology emerged after the decline of the Indus Valley, during the later Vedic period.Statement 3 is correct: The horse seems to have been unknown to the inhabitants of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.Horse remains found at Surkotada, dating to around 2000 BCE, suggest the possibility of horses in the Indus Valley.However, Sándor Bökönyi’s analysis of bone fragments is inconclusive and does not definitively prove that the Indus people knew horses.
Practice more History PYQs
Attempt a free 10-question quiz or browse the full History & Art-Culture previous-year-question bank with instant answers and explanations.
🏛️ History PYQs →