Official UPSC Format

Consider the following statements about the Rigvedic period :
I. Irrigation from wells allowed agriculture to expand away from flood plains and strips on river margins into the present Punjab and Haryana plains having underground water levels reasonably close to the surface.
II. Draught-animal power was employed to draw up water out of the wells.
Which of the following information support/supports the above statements ?
1. There is evidence in the Rigveda of the use of ashma chakra (stone pulley wheel) and ahava (strapped wooden pails) to draw up water.
2. Mention has been made in the Rigveda of the use of implements like parashu / kulisha (axe) and datra / sreni (sickle).
3. There is a history of the use of ox, even before the Rigveda, for ploughing the land and pulling the carts.
Select the answer using the code given below :

⚡ Quick Recall Snippet

During the Rigvedic period, agriculture expanded beyond floodplains due to well irrigation. The Rigveda explicitly mentions the 'ashma chakra' (stone pulley) and 'ahava' (wooden pails) used for drawing water. Furthermore, the pre-Vedic history of domesticated oxen supports the assertion that draught-animal power was used to lift this water.

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Detailed Solution & Authority Citations

Correct Answer is Option C
This question requires matching textual evidence to specific technological assertions regarding Rigvedic agriculture:
  • Evaluating Information 1: The assertion claims that well irrigation allowed agrarian expansion. Information 1 provides explicit textual proof from the Rigveda: the ashma chakra (stone pulley) and ahava (wooden pails) are specialized tools engineered exclusively for drawing water from deep shafts. This directly supports Assertion I.

  • Evaluating Information 2: The Rigveda indeed mentions the parashu (axe) and datra (sickle). However, these are tools for forest clearance and crop harvesting. They offer absolutely no mechanical utility or evidence regarding the lifting of water from wells. Thus, it does not support the specific assertions being tested.

  • Evaluating Information 3: Assertion II claims draught animals were used to lift water. Information 3 establishes that the domestication of oxen for heavy mechanical labor (ploughing, cart pulling) pre-dated the Rigveda. This historical precedent logically supports the viability of Assertion II, confirming they possessed the animal horsepower necessary to operate heavy well-pulleys.
    • Conclusion: Information 1 and 3 directly validate the mechanical assertions regarding well irrigation.

    🚨 The Examiner's Trap

    This is a complex 'Assertion-Evidence' matching question. Information 2 is factually true (the Rigveda does mention sickles and axes), but it is logically irrelevant to the specific assertion about water lifting mechanics, trapping candidates who just blindly select 'all of the above' for true statements.

    Active Recall Flashcard

    Tap to Flip

    What specific ancient tool, mentioned in the Rigveda as 'ashma chakra', provides textual evidence for early well irrigation?

    The stone pulley wheel.

    Concept Flow Mapping

    Rigveda
    Mentions
    Ashma Chakra (Stone Pulley)
    Ashma Chakra
    Used For
    Well Irrigation
    Draught Animals (Oxen)
    Used For
    Drawing Water

    Logic Quest

    "Why does 'information 2' fail to support the assertion?"

    Not analyzing core concepts like Technological Expansion of Vedic Agrarian Society through the lens of Previous Year Questions is a serious miss-out. This PYQ engine is specifically designed to help you decode the examiner's mindset and master highly probable Ancient History questions for your upcoming Prelims.