Consider the following statements about later vedic period:

1.The Upanishads were the highest level of intellectual attainments of this period.

2.Child came to be known as dvija after the Upanayana ceremony.

3.Parishad was the assembly of learned scholars.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a)1 and 2 only

(b)2 and 3 only

(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Question

Consider the following statements about later vedic period:

1.The Upanishads were the highest level of intellectual attainments of this period.

2.Child came to be known as dvija after the Upanayana ceremony.

3.Parishad was the assembly of learned scholars.
 

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a)1 and 2 only 

(b)2 and 3 only 

(c)1 and 3 only 
(d)1, 2 and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: The Upanishads, composed during the Later Vedic period (c. 1000&ndash;600 BCE), represent the highest level of philosophical and intellectual development of this time. They focus on Brahman (universal soul), Atman (individual soul), and Moksha (liberation), marking a shift from ritualistic sacrifices (karma kanda) to knowledge and self-realization (jnana kanda).

Statement 2 is correct: The Upanayana ceremony (sacred thread ceremony) was an initiation ritual for boys belonging to the Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya varnas. After undergoing this ritual, the child was considered "Dvija" (twice-born), as it symbolized a spiritual rebirth through Vedic learning.

Statement 3 is correct: The Parishad was an assembly of learned scholars and priests who advised the king and played an important role in interpreting the Vedas and rituals. It was a significant institution in the Later Vedic period, reflecting the growing influence of Brahmins and Vedic knowledge.

Ancient India

Later Vedic Period

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