Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
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:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
Comparing the urban, bronze-age Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500-1900 BCE) with the semi-nomadic, early Iron-age Rigvedic culture (c. 1500-1000 BCE).Explanation
NCERT highlights that Harappans were a peaceful urban society with no evidence of armor, whereas the Rigveda is full of descriptions of war, chariots, and protective gear.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement 1 is correct; IVC sites lack defensive military equipment, while Rigvedic texts mention 'Varma' (armor).
Logic 2: Statement 2 is incorrect; Harappans definitely knew gold and silver but did NOT know iron. Iron appeared in India much later.
Logic 3: Statement 3 is correct; The horse was central to Rigvedic life (chariots), whereas its presence in IVC is highly debated with no clear, widespread archaeological evidence.