UPSC CSE Prelims
Vedic Economy Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Vedic Economy with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
Filter & practice questions topic-wise
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 ?
- There is evidence in the Rigveda of the use of ashma chakra (stone pulley wheel) and ahava (strapped wooden pails) to draw up water.
- Mention has been made in the Rigveda of the use of implements like parashu / kulisha (axe) and datra / sreni (sickle).
- 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 :
Detailed Explanation:
The question asks which information supports the statements about well irrigation and the use of draught animals for drawing water during the Rigvedic period.
-
Statement 1 is Correct: References to ashma chakra (stone pulley wheel) and ahava (wooden pails) in the Rigveda indicate the use of wells and water-lifting devices for irrigation.
-
Statement 3 is Correct: The long-standing use of oxen for ploughing and pulling carts supports the idea that draught animals could also be used to draw water from wells.
-
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Tools like axe (parashu/kulisha) and sickle (datra/sreni) relate to farming activities, not irrigation or water-lifting.
-
Therefore, only 1 and 3 support the given statements, making Option C the correct answer.
Short Notes: Agriculture in the Rigvedic Period
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Occupation | Agriculture and Pastoralism |
| Irrigation Source | Wells and rivers |
| Water-Lifting Devices | Ashma Chakra (stone pulley), Ahava (wooden pail) |
| Draught Animals | Oxen/Bulls |
| Agricultural Tools | Plough, Axe (Parashu), Sickle (Datra) |
Important Facts
-
The Rigvedic people gradually expanded cultivation beyond river banks using well irrigation.
-
Oxen played a crucial role in agriculture, transport, and water-lifting activities.
-
Agriculture became more organized during the Later Vedic period with increasing use of irrigation techniques.
🧐 Not Sure What to Study Next?
Get a personalised study plan based on your goals, time and revision needs.
Related Topics in Ancient History
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Vedic Economy in UPSC CSE PRELIMS