Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

In the Later Vedic period agriculture was primitive and not widely spread.

Statement-II:

During Later Vedic phase rituals of cattle sacrifice resulted in unavailability of enough bullocks.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

(a)Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-ll explains Statement-I

(b)Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

(c)Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

(d)Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

In the Later Vedic period agriculture was primitive and not widely spread.

Statement-II: 

During Later Vedic phase rituals of cattle sacrifice resulted in unavailability of enough bullocks.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? 

(a)Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-ll explains Statement-I

(b)Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

(c)Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect 

(d)Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement-I is not correct: During the Later Vedic period (1000&ndash;600 BCE), agriculture became more advanced compared to the Early Vedic period. Iron tools (krishna ayas or black metal, i.e., iron) were introduced, making plowing and clearing land more efficient. Agriculture became the primary occupation, replacing the pastoral lifestyle of the Early Vedic period. New crops like rice and wheat were cultivated, especially in the eastern Gangetic plains.

Statement-II is correct: Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice) and other elaborate rituals became prominent during this period. Cattle, especially bullocks, were often sacrificed in religious ceremonies, which may have reduced their availability for plowing.

Ancient India

Later Vedic Period

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