Q14. Consider the following statements related to Rig Vedic Culture.
1. The institutions of polygamy and polyandry were known in this period.
2. Widow Remarriage was not allowed.
3. Soma and Sura were popular drinks in the later Vedic Period, not the Rig Vedic period.
4. Chariot racing, and gambling were the popular pastimes by the Rig Vedic people.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
The Vedic household was patriarchal and patrilineal. The institution of marriage was important and different types of marriages— monogamy, polygyny and polyandry are mentioned in the Rig Veda.
Both women sages and female gods were known to Vedic Aryans. However, hymns attributable to female sages are few and female gods were not as important as male ones.
Women could choose their husbands and could remarry if their husbands died or disappeared. While the wife enjoyed a respectable position, she was subordinate to her husband.
People consumed milk, milk products, grains, fruits and vegetables. Meat eating is mentioned, however, cows are labeled aghnya (not to be killed). Clothes of cotton, wool and animal skin were worn.
Soma and sura were popular drinks in the Rig Vedic society, of which soma was sanctified by religion. Flute (vana), lute (vina), harp, cymbals, and drums were the musical instruments played and a heptatonic scale was used.
Dancing, dramas, chariot racing, and gambling were other popular pastimes.