In the context of the Rigveda, battles were fought for which of the following reasons? 1. To capture cattle. 2. To acquire land for pasture and hardy crops like barley. 3. To capture people. 4. To control water sources. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (d). Explanation The Rigvedic society was predominantly pastoral and tribal. Consequently, military conflicts were not driven by the desire for large-scale territorial annexation (empire building) but were centered around the acquisition and control of immediate economic resources essential for the survival and prosperity of the tribe (Jana). Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Cattle constituted the most significant form of wealth in the early Vedic period. The importance of cattle is highlighted by the fact that the Rigvedic term for war is Gavisthi, which literally translates to "a search for cows." - Statement 2 is Correct: Battles were frequently fought to acquire land. This land was prized not for political boundaries but for its utility as pasture for grazing cattle and for cultivating hardy crops like barley (Yava) that ripened quickly. - Statement 3 is Correct: Conflicts often resulted in the capture of people from defeated tribes. These captives were often enslaved and utilized as domestic laborers or workers. - Statement 4 is Correct: Water was a critical resource for both the pastoral and agricultural needs of the tribe. The Rigveda mentions battles fought to secure control over water sources. Key Takeaway: Rigvedic warfare was resource-centric, primarily driven by the need for cattle, land (pasture and agriculture), water, and manpower.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 4: What books and burials tell us

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In the context of the Rigveda, battles were fought for which of the following reasons?

To capture cattle.
To acquire land for pasture and hardy crops like barley.
To capture people.
To control water sources.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (d).

Explanation

The Rigvedic society was predominantly pastoral and tribal. Consequently, military conflicts were not driven by the desire for large-scale territorial annexation (empire building) but were centered around the acquisition and control of immediate economic resources essential for the survival and prosperity of the tribe (Jana).

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Cattle constituted the most significant form of wealth in the early Vedic period. The importance of cattle is highlighted by the fact that the Rigvedic term for war is Gavisthi, which literally translates to "a search for cows."
Statement 2 is Correct: Battles were frequently fought to acquire land. This land was prized not for political boundaries but for its utility as pasture for grazing cattle and for cultivating hardy crops like barley (Yava) that ripened quickly.
Statement 3 is Correct: Conflicts often resulted in the capture of people from defeated tribes. These captives were often enslaved and utilized as domestic laborers or workers.
Statement 4 is Correct: Water was a critical resource for both the pastoral and agricultural needs of the tribe. The Rigveda mentions battles fought to secure control over water sources.

Key Takeaway:
Rigvedic warfare was resource-centric, primarily driven by the need for cattle, land (pasture and agriculture), water, and manpower.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: What books and burials tell us

Consider the following statements comparing Harappan cities and Megalithic cultures: 1. Harappan cities show extensive use of iron weapons. 2. Megalithic burials contain iron axes and daggers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following features is primarily used by archaeologists to identify the sex of a skeletal remain?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Rigveda: 1. It is the oldest Veda, composed approximately 3500 years ago. 2. It was written down and printed immediately after its composition. 3. The hymns, known as sukta, were composed by sages (rishis). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which group of deities is most frequently invoked and considered central in the Rigvedic hymns?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the language of the Rigveda: 1. It is written in Old or Vedic Sanskrit. 2. Vedic Sanskrit is identical to the Sanskrit taught in schools today. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is (d).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Cattle constituted the most significant form of wealth in the early Vedic period. The importance of cattle is highlighted by the fact that the Rigvedic term for war is Gavisthi, which literally translates to "a search for cows."
Statement 2 is Correct: Battles were frequently fought to acquire land. This land was prized not for political boundaries but for its utility as pasture for grazing cattle and for cultivating hardy crops like barley (Yava) that ripened quickly.
Statement 3 is Correct: Conflicts often resulted in the capture of people from defeated tribes. These captives were often enslaved and utilized as domestic laborers or workers.
Statement 4 is Correct: Water was a critical resource for both the pastoral and agricultural needs of the tribe. The Rigveda mentions battles fought to secure control over water sources.

Key Takeaway:
Rigvedic warfare was resource-centric, primarily driven by the need for cattle, land (pasture and agriculture), water, and manpower.