UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2026

Consider the following statements about the Rigvedic period: I. Irrigation from wells allowed agriculture to expand away from flood plains and strips on river margins into the present Punjab and Haryana plains having underground water levels reasonably close to the surface. II. Draught-animal power was employed to draw up water out of the wells. Which of the following information support/supports the above statements? 1. There is evidence in the Rigveda of the use of ashma chakra (stone pulley wheel) and ahava (strapped wooden pails) to draw up water. 2. Mention has been made in the Rigveda of the use of implements like parashu/kulisha (axe) and datra/sreni (sickle). 3. There is a history of the use of ox, even before the Rigveda, for ploughing the land and pulling the carts. Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1, 2 and 3
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 3 only

Answer

Correct Answer

1 and 3 only

Explanation

The use of ashma chakra and ahava provides evidence for mechanisms used to draw water from wells, supporting the first statement. The prior use of oxen for agricultural and transport purposes provides a basis for understanding the use of draught-animal power. The references to axes and sickles in statement 2 concern agricultural implements but do not directly support the two propositions regarding well irrigation and animal-powered water lifting.

Topics: agriculture, ancient history, irrigation, rigvedic period