UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2017

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:

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

Answer

Correct Answer

1 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct — Rigvedic Aryans used armour and helmets, unlike the Harappans. Statement 2 is wrong because Indus Valley people knew copper but not iron (Iron Age came later). Statement 3 is correct — horse domestication is attested for Rigvedic Aryans but not conclusively for the Indus Valley people.

Topics: ancient india, history, indus valley civilization, rigvedic vs harappan culture