Consider the following pairs of ancient Vedic terms and their economic or social meanings: 1. Niskha - A standard gold currency or ornament used in exchange. 2. Bali - A voluntary offering or compulsory tribute paid to the tribal chief. 3. Varna - The fourfold occupational stratification of society. Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

💡 Solution & Explanation

During the Rigvedic and later Vedic periods, 'Niskha' initially referred to a valuable neck ornament that gradually evolved into a medium of exchange and currency. 'Bali' represented the tax or tribute rendered by the tribal populace to the monarch or chieftain. 'Varna' denoted the structural division of society into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras based initially on occupation and later on birth. These terms form foundational elements of early Indian socioeconomic history.