Question

With reference to the following, explain the main features of the Rig Vedic Economy:

1. Agriculture
2. Domestication of Animals

Answer 1

Instructions:

In this, we will have to cover the Agriculture & Domestication of Animals during the early Vedic period.
(Key Concept: agriculture, Domestication of Animals, early Vedic period)

Solution:

Agriculture:

• The Rig Vedic Aryans were mainly scattered in villages.
• They frequently prayed for plentiful rain and bountiful harvest, large herds of cattle and good.
• It shows that agriculture was an important occupation of the village folk.
• However, the only grain referred to in the Rig Veda is Yava which could mean grain in general or barley in particular.

Domestication of Animals:

• The Rig Vedic Aryans had mainly a pastoral economy.
• Cattle formed an important item of dona (gifts) made to the priests.
• The word Gomat was used to signify a wealthy person.
• It meant the one who possessed many cattle, especially the cows and bulls.
• Other domesticated animals were the ox, the horse, the dog, the goat and the sheep.