The Early Vedic Age Question and Answer |ICSE Class 6

CHAPTER 9

The Early Vedic Period, also known as the Rig Vedic Period (1500–1000 BCE), marks the formative phase of ancient Indian civilization following the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization. This era is named after the Rigveda, the oldest and most significant of the four Vedas, which provides valuable insights into the religious beliefs, social structures, and cultural life of the Indo-Aryans who migrated into the Indian subcontinent. During this time, society was largely pastoral, centered around cattle-rearing and simple agriculture. People lived in tribes and worshipped natural forces such as the sun (Surya), fire (Agni), and wind (Vayu). The Early Vedic Period laid the foundations of Indian religion, language, and philosophy, shaping the spiritual and social outlook that continued to influence Indian culture for centuries.

Answer the following questions:

Question 1: When did the Aryans arrive in India?

Answer: The Aryans are believed to have arrived in India around 1500 BCE. They migrated from Central Asia and settled in the Sapta Sindhu region (the land of seven rivers).

Question 2: Describe the various stages in which the Aryans entered India.

Answer: The Aryans entered India in three stages:

1. First Stage: They settled in the Sapta Sindhu region (Punjab and present-day Pakistan).
2. Second Stage: They gradually moved eastward to the Ganges-Yamuna Doab region.
3. Third Stage: They spread further toward the eastern and southern parts of India, forming new kingdoms.

Question 3: Name the four Vedas. How have they come down to us?

Answer: The four Vedas are:

1. Rig Veda – The oldest Veda, containing hymns dedicated to gods.
2. Sama Veda – A collection of hymns set to music.
3. Yajur Veda – A guide for performing rituals and sacrifices.
4. Atharva Veda – Contains spells, charms, and practical knowledge.

The Vedas have been passed down orally from generation to generation through memorization by scholars and priests.

Question 4: Who was a Rajan? What were his duties?

Answer: The Rajan was the king or chief of an Aryan tribe.

Duties of the Rajan:

• Led the tribe in wars.
• Protected the people from enemies.
• Performed religious rituals for the welfare of the tribe.
• Settled disputes and maintained order.

Question 5: The Rajan did not have absolute power. Explain.

Answer: The Rajan’s power was limited because:

• He ruled with the advice of the Sabha and Samiti (assemblies of elders and warriors).
• He had to consult priests and nobles before making major decisions.
• He was not considered divine and could be removed if he failed in his duties.

Question 6: What was the position of women in the Rig Vedic Period?

Answer: Women in the Rig Vedic Period had a high status in society:

• They received education and could participate in religious ceremonies.
• They had freedom to choose their husbands (Swayamvara).
• Some women, like Gargi and Maitreyi, were renowned scholars.
• However, they were not allowed to participate in political matters.

Question 7: What were the main forms of occupation of the Aryans?

Answer: The main occupations of the Aryans were:

1. Agriculture – They grew wheat, barley, rice, and millet.
2. Cattle Rearing – They domesticated cows, horses, and sheep.
3. Weaving and Pottery – They made cloth and pottery.
4. Trade and Commerce – Barter system was used for trade.
5. Warfare – Some Aryans served as warriors to protect the tribe.

Question 8: Name the gods worshipped by the early Aryans. How did they worship their gods?

Answer: The early Aryans worshipped natural forces as gods. Some important gods were:

• Indra – God of war and rain.
• Agni – God of fire.
• Varuna – God of water and cosmic order.
• Surya – Sun god.

Worship Methods:

• Offerings of milk, butter, grains, and ghee in sacred fires (Yajnas).
• Hymns and prayers from the Rig Veda were recited.

Question 9: How did the caste system start in early Vedic society?

Answer: The caste system began as a division of labor based on occupations. It later became hereditary and rigid. The system was based on the Varna system, which divided society into four groups.

Question 10: Name the four classes in the Rig Vedic Period. Who were the members of each of these classes?

Answer: The four Varna (social classes) were:

1. Brahmins – Priests and scholars.
2. Kshatriyas – Warriors and rulers.
3. Vaishyas – Farmers, traders, and merchants.
4. Shudras – Laborers and servants.

In the early Vedic period, these divisions were not rigid, but later became hereditary.

Question 11: What were the main occupations of the Aryans?

Answer: The main occupations of the Aryans included:

• Agriculture – Growing wheat, barley, and rice.
• Animal Husbandry – Rearing cows, horses, and sheep.
• Weaving and Pottery – Making clothes and utensils.
• Trade – Using barter to exchange goods.
• Warfare – Protecting the tribe and expanding territory.

Question 12: Mention two important differences between the Aryans and the people of the Indus Valley.

Answer:

Look at the essay on Storybook characters I would like to meet

Also, look for the Study Guide of Ozymandias

B. Fill in the blanks:

1. The Aryans who settled in India were called Indo-Aryans.
2. The region of seven rivers is called Sapta Sindhu.
3. The four Vedas are Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.
4. The most important god of the early Aryans was Indra.
5. The two councils, the Sabha and Samiti, exercised control over the king.
6. Labourers who served people and did menial jobs were the Shudras.

C. Match the following:

D. State whether the following are true or false:

1. Rice was the staple diet of the Aryans. False (Wheat and barley were more common)
2. The Aryans drank intoxicating drinks like Soma and Sura. True
3. The dress of the Aryans consisted of a three-piece garment. False (Their clothing mainly consisted of two pieces)
4. Both men and women wore jewelry. True
5. The Aryans believed in one supreme god. False (They worshipped many gods, including Indra, Agni, and Varuna)