Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Statement I: The early Aryans, who were essentially pastoral, did not develop any political structure which could measure up to a state in ancient or modern sense. Statement II: Kingship was the same as tribal chief ship; the term Rajan being used for tribal chief who was primarily a military leader and who ruled over his people and not over any specified area. Select the correct answer:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: A
Concept
Political organization in the early Vedic period was kinship-based rather than territory-based, reflecting a semi-nomadic pastoral lifestyle.Explanation
NCERT highlights that the Rigvedic people identified with their tribe (Jana) rather than a fixed kingdom (Janapada). The Rajan was a 'Protector of the Tribe' (Gopa Janasya).Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Early Aryans were pastoralists. A formal 'state' requires settled agriculture, taxation, and a standing army—features they lacked. Thus, Statement I is true.
Logic 2: The Rajan's authority was over the *people* (Vis/Jana) regardless of where they migrated. Thus, Statement II is true and explains the lack of a territorial 'state' structure.