Jan. 25, 2023

Prelims Question

Q.- Consider the following statements –

1. Vidatha was the oldest institution of Aryans.

2. Ishaan was the head of Samiti.

3. Bali was a regular tax in the Rigvedic period.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

(a) 2 only

(b) 1 and 3

(c) 1 only

(d) 1 and 2

Answer – (d)

Explanation - In the Rigvedic period, the territorial states did not come into existence. The king was called 'Janasya Gopa'. People of the tribe voluntarily paid gifts to the king. This was called Bali.

Some tribal organizations existed like - Sabha, Samiti, Vidath and Gana. According to Atharvaveda, Sabha and Samiti were the two daughters of Prajapati. The Samiti probably used to elect the king. Head of the samiti was called Pati or Ishaan.

According to the Maitrayani Samhita, women did not participate in the Sabha. The participant in the Sabha was called 'Sabheya'. Its members were the elite, who were called Sujata