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.

In the context of the Rigveda, battles were… - NCERT Class 6 History MCQ

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?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Our Past -1 · Page 46

Options

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

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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.

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