Consider the following statements regarding Early Vedic and Later Vedic society:

1. In Early Vedic society, Jana referred to a tribal community, whereas in Later Vedic society, Janapadas emerged as territorial states.

2. The caste system in Early Vedic society was more flexible, but in Later Vedic society, varna distinctions became rigid, with Brahmins and Kshatriyas gaining dominance.

3. Women in the Later Vedic period had more rights in education and religious rituals compared to the Early Vedic period.

4. Early Vedic society was highly hierarchical, whereas Later Vedic society moved towards a more egalitarian social order.

Which of the above statements are correct?

The correct answer is Only 1 and 2.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct:
  • Early Vedic period was tribal (Jana-based), with power resting in tribal assemblies like Sabha and Samiti.
  • Later Vedic period saw the emergence of Janapadas (territorial states), leading to monarchy and hereditary rule.
• Statement 2 is correct:
  • Early Vedic caste system was less rigid, allowing social mobility based on merit.
  • Later Vedic caste system became strictly hierarchical, with Brahmins and Kshatriyas gaining dominance.
• Statement 3 is incorrect:
  • Women in the Early Vedic period had more rights, including education (Upanayana), participation in religious rituals, and choosing their husbands (Swayamvara).
  • In the Later Vedic period, women lost many rights, including restrictions on education, child marriage, and exclusion from religious ceremonies.
• Statement 4 is incorrect:
  • Early Vedic society was more egalitarian, with power shared among tribal chiefs and assemblies.
  • Later Vedic society became highly hierarchical, with hereditary monarchy, priestly dominance, and rigid caste distinctions.