With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them. 2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron. 3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Question

GSHardPrelims 2017Ancient History

With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Rigvedic Aryans were a warrior-led society and used protective equipment like the 'varman' (coat of mail) and helmets in warfare. In contrast, the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was primarily a peaceful, urban commercial society; archaeological excavations have yielded no conclusive evidence of armor or specialized military gear.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Indus Valley people were part of a Bronze Age civilization and were well-acquainted with gold, silver, copper, and bronze. However, they were not aware of iron. Iron technology appeared in the Indian subcontinent much later, during the later Vedic period (c. 1000 BCE).

Statement 3 is correct: The horse played a central role in the culture and mobility of the Rigvedic Aryans, with numerous mentions in the Rigveda. While some animal remains have been debated at sites like Surkotada, there is no clear, widespread evidence that the Indus Valley people domesticated or were significantly aware of the horse.

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