With reference to the changing connotation of the term, “Dasas” in Ancient India, consider the following statements:

1.The Aryans used the term 'Dasas' to refer to their enemies, who likely spoke different languages and did not participate in sacrifices.

2.Over time, the term 'Dasa' came to signify slaves, primarily prisoners of war who were considered the property of their owners.

3.The Rigvedic hymns suggest that the Aryans eventually assimilated the Dasas into their society as equals after their defeat.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)3 only

(b)2 and 3 only

(c)1 and 2 only

(d)1, 2 and 3

Question

With reference to the changing connotation of the term, &ldquo;Dasas&rdquo; in Ancient India, consider the following statements:

1.The Aryans used the term 'Dasas' to refer to their enemies, who likely spoke different languages and did not participate in sacrifices.

2.Over time, the term 'Dasa' came to signify slaves, primarily prisoners of war who were considered the property of their owners.

3.The Rigvedic hymns suggest that the Aryans eventually assimilated the Dasas into their society as equals after their defeat.
 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a)3 only

(b)2 and 3 only

(c)1 and 2 only

(d)1, 2 and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: In the Rigveda, the term 'Dasas' (and 'Dasyus') was used to refer to groups considered enemies of the Aryans. These enemies were likely non-Aryans, spoke different languages, and did not perform the religious sacrifices that the Aryans followed, which was a significant aspect of their cultural identity.

Statement 2 is correct: Over time, especially in later periods, the term 'Dasa' evolved to denote individuals who were enslaved, often as a result of war. These slaves were typically considered the property of their masters, and the term became associated with those in servitude.

Statement 3 is not correct: While there are references in the Rigveda to the Aryans' interactions with the Dasas, there is no indication that the Aryans assimilated the Dasas as equals. In fact, the Rigvedic texts often portray the Dasas in a negative light, and they were not integrated into Aryan society as equals after their defeat. Instead, the Dasas were considered subjugated and inferior, and the term 'Dasa' continued to carry a negative connotation.

Ancient India

Changing connotation of the term 'Dasas'

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