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With reference to the Later Vedic period, consider the following statements:
1. During this period, the society came to be divided into four Varnas.
2. The Shudras were deprived of the sacred thread ceremony and the recitation of the Gayatri mantra.
3. The position of women improved during the Later Vedic period and they were allowed to recite the Gayatri Mantra.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    Only one
  • b)
    Only two
  • c)
    All three
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
With reference to the Later Vedic period, consider the following state...
The later Vedic society came to be divided into four Varnas, called the Brahmana, Rajanya or Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. The growing cult of sacrifices enormously added to the power of the Brahmanas. All the three higher Varnas shared one common feature: They were entitled to Upanayana, or investiture with the sacred thread according to the Vedic Mantras. Upanayana heralded the beginning of education in the Vedas. The fourth Varna (Shudra) was deprived of the sacred thread ceremony and the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra. The Gayatri was a Vedic Mantra that could not be recited by a Shudra, thereby depriving him of the Vedic education. Similarly, women were also denied both the Gayatri and the Upanayana. Thus, the imposition of disabilities on the Shudras and women began towards the end of the Vedic period.
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With reference to the Later Vedic period, consider the following state...
Analysis of Statements on the Later Vedic Period
The Later Vedic period (approximately 1000-600 BCE) marks significant developments in Indian society, religion, and culture. Let's evaluate the statements provided.
Statement 1: Division into Four Varnas
- This statement is correct.
- The Later Vedic society saw a more rigid division into four Varnas: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers and service providers). This system became foundational for social organization in ancient India.
Statement 2: Shudras and Sacred Thread Ceremony
- This statement is also correct.
- Shudras were indeed deprived of the sacred thread ceremony (Upanayana) and the recitation of the Gayatri mantra, which were privileges reserved for the first three Varnas. This exclusion highlighted the socio-religious hierarchy of the time.
Statement 3: Position of Women
- This statement is incorrect.
- While women in the Later Vedic period experienced some improvements in rights and education, they were still largely restricted in religious practices. They were not traditionally allowed to recite the Gayatri mantra, which was generally reserved for men of the higher Varnas.
Conclusion
- Therefore, only the first two statements are correct, making the correct answer option 'B': only two statements are correct. This reflects the complexity of social changes during the Later Vedic period and the ongoing challenges faced by various segments of society, including women and Shudras.
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With reference to the Later Vedic period, consider the following statements:1. During this period, the society came to be divided into four Varnas.2. The Shudras were deprived of the sacred thread ceremony and the recitation of the Gayatri mantra.3. The position of women improved during the Later Vedic period and they were allowed to recite the Gayatri Mantra.How many of the above statements is/are correct?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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With reference to the Later Vedic period, consider the following statements:1. During this period, the society came to be divided into four Varnas.2. The Shudras were deprived of the sacred thread ceremony and the recitation of the Gayatri mantra.3. The position of women improved during the Later Vedic period and they were allowed to recite the Gayatri Mantra.How many of the above statements is/are correct?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about With reference to the Later Vedic period, consider the following statements:1. During this period, the society came to be divided into four Varnas.2. The Shudras were deprived of the sacred thread ceremony and the recitation of the Gayatri mantra.3. The position of women improved during the Later Vedic period and they were allowed to recite the Gayatri Mantra.How many of the above statements is/are correct?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for With reference to the Later Vedic period, consider the following statements:1. During this period, the society came to be divided into four Varnas.2. The Shudras were deprived of the sacred thread ceremony and the recitation of the Gayatri mantra.3. The position of women improved during the Later Vedic period and they were allowed to recite the Gayatri Mantra.How many of the above statements is/are correct?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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