Question 1

Question 6What is known as Bhagwad Gita?

Accepted Answer

When the war of Mahabharata begin, Arjuna was reluctant to fight. Krishna ultimately gave him a discourse and prevailed upon him to do his duty. This discourse at the battlefield is compiled in the form of Bhagwad Gita. It forms a part of Mahabharata.

Question 2

Question 7Mention the importance of the Epics as a source of information about the Aryans.

Accepted Answer

The Epics serve as the main source of information on the political institutions and the social and cultural organisation of the Aryans. They provide information about various Aryan kingdoms, their armies and the weapons they used. The Kshatriyas were entrusted with the defence of their kingdoms. They reveal the high ideals of family life of the Aryans. The great heroes depicted in the Epics are the embodiment of high moral principles and made a great impact on successive generations.

Question 3

Question 8Which battle is known as the Mahabharata? For how long was this battle fought?

Accepted Answer

The battle which was fought between Pandavas and Kauravas is known as Mahabharata.The battle of Mahabharata was fought for 18 days.

Question 4

Question 9State the role of iron in the development of agriculture during the Vedic Age.

Accepted Answer

The discovery of iron gave the Aryans new implements like axes to clear forest and cultivate land. The use of iron plough-heads, sickles and hoes, made it easy to cultivate a vast tract of land. Thus, agriculture became their important occupation. The surplus production of rice, wheat, barley, vegetables and fruits improved their standard of living.

Question 5

Question 10Give two features of Painted Grey Ware (PGW) Pottery.

Accepted Answer

The two important features of Painted Grey Ware (PGW) Pottery are-Painted Grey Ware (PGW) Pottery were very fine, smooth and even-coloured pottery.They were made up of high quality clay with geometrical patterns painted in black. Floral patterns and Sun symbols were also found.

Question 6

Question 11How did trade become a pivot around which the life of the people revolved?

Accepted Answer

During the Later Vedic phase, discovery of Iron led to development of agriculture. Agricultural surplus led to trade, giving rise to markets which further developed towns and cities. Thus trade become a pivot around which the life of the people revolved.

Question 7

Question 12State the difference in the position of women between the Early Vedic and Later Vedic Age.

Accepted Answer

During Early vedic period women were respected, the daughters were given freedom to choose their husbands and widow remarriage was prevalent but in Later Vedic period there was significant decline in the status of women. Their participation in Yajnas was not considered necessary. Their right to property and freedom to choose husband was curtailed.

Question 8

Question 13State briefly the change that occurred in the position of the Brahmins in the Later Vedic Age.

Accepted Answer

In the Later Vedic Age, the position of the Brahmins became stronger as the caste system became more rigid. They were said to have divine powers. No rituals or religious celebration commenced without the presence of Brahmins. They enjoyed many privileges.

Question 9

Question 14State two important changes that took place in the society in the process of its transition from the Early Vedic Period to the Later Vedic Period.

Accepted Answer

The two important changes that took place in the society in the process of its transition from the Early Vedic Period to the Later Vedic Period were-Women enjoyed equal rights in Early Vedic Period but their status in the society gradually declined during the Later Vedic Period.Caste system which was based on occupation earlier became hereditary and rigid with course of time.

Question 10

Question 1With reference to the sources of information about the Vedic Age, write short notes on the following:(a) The Vedas(b) The Epics(c) Role of Iron Implements

Accepted Answer

(a) The Vedas — The Vedas are storehouse of knowledge about Vedic Age. They give us information about the life of the people of Vedic Age. We get information about the social, economical, political, and religious aspects of their life. There are four Vedas — The Rig Veda, The Sama Veda, The Yajur Veda, The Atharva Veda. The Rig Veda gives an account of Early Vedic Period while the rest of Vedas give an account of Later Vedic Period.(b) The Epics — The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are the important epics. They serve as main source of information on the political institution and the social and cultural organisation of the Vedic Age. The Epics provide information on Aryan kingdoms, their armies and the weapons and reveal the high ideals of family life of Aryans. They are considered as the finest literary works of the ancient period and are acclaimed for their literary and philosophical value. The great heroes depicted in the Epics are the embodiment of high moral principles and made a great impact on successive generations.(c) Role of Iron Implements — In India, the Iron Age began in 1000 B.C. Iron was cheap, available in plenty, it was harder than copper and bronze and its deposits were found over large areas. It was used in the following areas:Agriculture — Iron gave Aryans new tools like axe to clear the forest and cultivate the land. Using iron plough-heads, sickles and hoes, they could bring vast tracts of land under cultivation. The production of more rice, wheat, barley, vegetables and fruits improved their standard of living.Occupation — The use of Iron provided durable implements like saws, chisels, hammers, nails and tongs. This gave rise to occupations such as weaving, spinning, carpentry, tanning and tool making.Defence — Iron was extensively used in making weapons like swords, armours and shields.

Question 11

Question 2With reference to the Society during the Vedic Age, answer the following questions:(a) Explain briefly the class divisions that existed in the Early Vedic society.(b) What changes occurred in the society during the Later Vedic Age?(c) Explain the four stages in the life of an Aryan.

Accepted Answer

(a) During the Early Vedic Period, the society was divided into different classes based on their profession. These professions became hereditary over the course of time. These occupational classes gradually took the form of caste.(b) The changes that occurred in society during the Later Vedic Age are as follows:Kingship became hereditary and divine elements came to be associated with the king. This period marked the beginning of taxation system and administrative machinery.There was a significant decline in the status of women. Their freedom was restricted in many ways.Class system came into existence. — People followed different professions which became hereditary. People were divided into different castes like Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.The whole lifespan of an Aryan came to be divided into four periods of 25 years each — the Brahmacharya, the Grihastha, the Vanaprastha and the Sanyasa Asharama.Education was imparted through Gurukuls, which had become the most sacred institution.In the later Vedic Age with religious evolution, simplicity of nature worship was lost and the frequency and number of the yajnas increased.(c) The four stages in the life of an Aryan, also known as the four Ashramas were:The Brahmacharya Ashrama — It lasted up to the age of 25 years during which the pupil was expected to acquire knowledge in gurukul and observe strict discipline.The Grihastha Ashrama — It lasted from the age of 25 to 50 years during which man was supposed to marry and raise and maintain his family.The Vanaprastha Ashrama — It lasted from the age of 50 to 75 years. During this period the man was expected to retire from worldly life and acquire spiritual knowledge.The Sanyasa Ashrama — It lasted from the age of 75 to 100 years which was the period of renunciation. Man had to leave everything forever and go into meditation in order to attain moksha or salvation.

Question 12

Question 3With reference to economic organisation of the people in the Vedic Period, answer the following questions:(a) State the methods used by the Aryans in agriculture.(b) Why was domestication of animals important to the Aryans?(c) How was trade managed during this period?

Accepted Answer

(a) For the Early Vedic Period, there are very few references of agricultural activities in the Rig Veda. There are references to fire being used for burning the forest cover and the practice of shifting cultivation. In the Later Vedic Period, importance of agriculture grew due to the availability of vast tracts of fertile alluvial lands of the Ganga-Yamuna doab and the middle Ganga valley. The later Vedic texts refer to oxen yoked to the plough suggesting the prevalence of plough cultivation. Iron ploughshares and metal tools were used and a variety of crops were cultivated towards the end of this period.(b) The domestication of animals was important to the Aryans because during the Early Vedic Period cattle was main source of income. For Aryans cattle was synonymous with wealth. Cow had religious value, animals like sheep were domesticated for wool. Leather workers have also been mentioned in Vedic Text. Moreover, the area received low rainfall and the major rivers were known to change course making it difficult to cultivate the alluvial lands near the rivers on a permanent basis thereby further increasing the importance of domestication of animals.(c) During the Later Vedic Period agricultural surplus led to trade giving rise to markets from which developed towns and cities. Although coins were introduced, barter system was still dominant in trade with other countries.

Question 13

Question 4With reference to the picture given, answer the following question:(a) Identify this ancient education system. Persons belonging to which ashrama of life attended this?(b) Describe briefly the life in this ancient education institution.(c) What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of studying in this educational setup?

Accepted Answer

(a) The given picture shows Gurukul system of education in which the students used to live with their teacher called guru.Persons belonging to Brahmacharya ashrama of life attended the Gurukul.(b) The residence of Guru called gurukul, was the most sacred institution. The Gurukuls were located on the outskirts of the city and even in forests. The students lived there. The guru treated his students like his own children. The student was required to do household chores for his teacher. They woke up early in the morning, took bath and chanted Vedic mantras. Most of the teaching was done orally. At the completion of education, a student used to give Guru Dakshina — a gift to his teacher. The main object of education was to bring about physical, mental and spiritual development of the pupils. The subjects of study included the Vedas, Puranas, Grammar, Mathematics, Ethics, Logic and Military Science.(c) Advantages of gurukul system of education — It brought a sense of equality among the students as children of king and children of common man all studied in the same setup with the same rules. It helped in the physical, mental and spiritual development of the students.Disadvantages of gurukul system of education — Education was oral. Students were required to be away from their homes and live a hard life without any personal choice. There was no fixed curriculum and methods of assessment for the students.

Question 14

Question 5Write a play based on the life and times of the Rig Vedic Period. How much of it would be relevant in the Later Vedic Period?

Accepted Answer

Title: The Vedic Age — A Tale of Two PeriodsCast:NarratorRishi - A learned sageKing - A powerful monarchWarrior - A brave soldierBrahmin - A priestMerchant - A traderAct 1:Scene 1:Narrator: Welcome to the Vedic age, where the Rig Vedic period marked the beginning of Indian civilisation. Let's travel back in time to this era of great knowledge and wisdom.Scene 2:Rishi: (Entering) Namaste, I am a learned sage, well-versed in the Vedas. The Vedas contain the sacred hymns and rituals that we must follow to connect with the divine. We must recite them with utmost devotion and dedication.Scene 3:King: (Entering) I have to protect my kingdom from external threats. Our brave soldiers must be trained in the art of warfare to defend our land from enemies.Scene 4:Warrior: (Entering) I am a brave soldier, skilled in archery and sword fighting. I am ready to fight any enemy who dares to invade our land.Act 2:Scene 1:Narrator: The Later Vedic period saw the emergence of new social and economic practices that challenged the traditional ways of life. Let's see how this period differed from the earlier one.Scene 2:Brahmin: (Entering) Namaste, I am a priest, and I perform various rituals and ceremonies to appease the gods. Our society is changing, and we must adapt to the new practices that have emerged.Scene 3:Merchant: (Entering) I am a trader, and I travel to distant lands to buy and sell goods. Our society is becoming more commercialised, and we must embrace the new opportunities that arise.Scene 4:King: (Entering) Our kingdom is growing, and we must govern it more efficiently. We need a system of laws and regulations to maintain order and stability.Scene 5:Narrator: The Later Vedic period saw the emergence of new social and economic practices that challenged the traditional ways of life. While the emphasis on religion and warfare continued, new practices like commerce, governance, and law emerged.Conclusion:The Vedic Age was a time of great knowledge, wisdom, and progress. While the Rig Vedic period laid the foundation for Indian civilisation, the Later Vedic period saw the emergence of new social and economic practices. The relevance of the earlier period continued, as the Later Vedic period built upon the knowledge and practices of the earlier period. Together, they shaped the course of Indian history and culture for centuries to come.

The Vedic Period

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