Which among the following statements is TRUE about the Rig Vedic Society?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Answer: Apala, Vishwavara, Ghosha, and Lopamudra were prominent female poets of the Rigvedic period.
Explanation:
During the Rigvedic period (1500 BCE – 1000 BCE), the status of women was highly respectable. They possessed the right to receive education and to participate in Yajnas (sacrificial rituals). The Rigveda mentions learned women (Brahmavadinis) such as Apala, Vishwavara, Ghosha, Sikata, Nivavari, and Lopamudra, who composed Richas (hymns/mantras). Rigvedic society was patriarchal, rather than matriarchal. The smallest unit of the family was the 'Kul' (household), and its head was called the 'Kulapa' or 'Grihapati', while the head of a 'Vish' (clan/community) was known as the 'Vishayapati'.
There is no concrete evidence of the prevalence of child marriage or the practice of Sati during this period; on the contrary, the 'Niyoga' system (levirate) and widow remarriage were permitted. Marriages typically took place upon reaching adulthood.
Additional Points:
Patriarchal Society: The basic unit of society was the family, wherein the father or the eldest brother served as the head.
Varna System: The four Varnas (social classes) are mentioned for the first time in the Purusha Sukta of the 10th Mandala of the Rigveda; however, this classification was based on Karma (deeds/occupation), not on birth.
Learned Women: Lopamudra was the wife of Sage Agastya, and she composed several hymns.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: In which Mandala (Book) of the Rigveda is the Gayatri Mantra mentioned?
Answer: In the 3rd Mandala (composed by Vishwamitra).
Question: Who was referred to as 'Amaju' during the Rigvedic period?
Answer: Women who remained unmarried throughout their lives.