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:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only
The Rigvedic Aryans are depicted as using defensive armor like helmets and mail coats in their battles, suggesting a more warlike society focused on martial prowess. In contrast, archaeological evidence from the Indus Valley Civilization does not prominently feature such items, and their focus appears to have been more on urban planning and trade. Furthermore, the Rigveda extensively mentions the horse and its domestication, indicating its importance in their culture and economy, particularly for warfare and transportation. While Indus Valley people were familiar with copper and knew about iron metallurgy was largely absent, the Rigvedic people had knowledge of gold, silver, and copper. The claim that Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron is incorrect as they definitely knew copper and evidence for iron is debatable for this period, while Rigvedic people knew gold, silver and copper.
Source: UPSC gs1 2017