UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 8
Consider the following statements about the Rigvedic period:
- 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.
- Draught-animal power was employed to draw up water out of the wells.
Which of the following information support/supports the above statements?
- There is evidence in the Rigveda of the use of ashma chakra (stone pulley wheel) and ahava (strapped wooden pails) to draw up water.
- Mention has been made in the Rigveda of the use of implements like parashu / kulisha (axe) and datra / sreni (sickle).
- 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:
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C
Explanation: The question asks which evidence actually supports well irrigation with draught power in the Rigvedic setting, rather than merely indicating farming tools.
Statement-wise Analysis:
Statement 1: Correct - Terms interpreted as pulley devices and water-drawing vessels are relevant evidence for drawing well water.
Statement 2: Incorrect - Axes and sickles show cutting or harvesting technology, not water-lifting with animal power.
Statement 3: Correct - Oxen used for ploughing and hauling establish the availability of draught power that could also support lifting devices.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 2 and omits supported item(s) 3.
B: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 2.
C: Correct - This option includes the supported item(s) and excludes the unsupported ones.
D: Incorrect - Omits supported item(s) 1.
Review note: Interpretation of the Rigvedic terms and inference about ox-powered well lifting require specialised archaeological/textual corroboration.