UPSC Prelims 2017 Q2: Ancient History – Vedic Period
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 :
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and3 only
- (d) 1,2 and3
Answer: (c) 1 and3 only
Explanation
Rigvedic Aryans vs the Indus Valley people
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Aryans used coat of mail and helmet; no such evidence from the Indus Valley | Correct | The Rigveda mentions varman (armour) and sipra (helmet); Harappan sites show no armour |
| 2. Aryans knew gold, silver and copper; Indus people knew only copper and iron | Incorrect | Harappans used gold, silver, copper, tin and bronze, but not iron |
| 3. Aryans domesticated the horse; no evidence the Indus people knew it | Correct (standard view) | The horse is central to Rigvedic life; Harappan evidence for it is doubtful |
Metals compared:
| Metal | Harappans | Rigvedic Aryans |
|---|---|---|
| Copper/bronze | Yes | Yes (ayas) |
| Gold, silver | Yes | Yes |
| Iron | No | No (iron came in the later Vedic age) |
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also accepted: the horse is Rigvedic, with no clear Harappan evidence.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; Harappans knew gold and silver and did not use iron.
- (c) CORRECT. Armour and the horse separate the Rigvedic Aryans from the Harappans.
- (d) Incorrect. Harappans never used iron, so statement 2 fails.
Key point
Harappans: gold, silver, copper, bronze, no iron, no armour, doubtful horse. Rigvedic Aryans: armour, helmet and the horse.
Remember
Harappa: no iron, no armour, no clear horse.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the Harappans used iron; iron appears only around 1000 BCE.
- Assuming Harappans lacked gold and silver; both are found in their jewellery.
- Treating the horse as common at Harappan sites; the evidence is thin and disputed.
Exam tip
Iron is the trap. Neither the Harappans nor the early Rigvedic people used it.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History I, Ch 1 (Bricks, Beads and Bones)
- R. S. Sharma — India's Ancient Past, Ch 10-11