The term 'Nishka', which appeared in early Vedic texts, initially referred to which of the following?

💡 Solution & Explanation

In the Rigvedic period, 'Nishka' originally denoted a valuable gold ornament worn around the neck, which gradually evolved into a standard medium of exchange and currency coin in subsequent Vedic centuries. It did not denote land measurements, which were measured in terms of nivartana or similar units. Cattle taxes were collected under different nomenclature like bali, and military ranks had distinct tribal designations. The coinage system expanded significantly in post-Vedic times with punch-marked silver coins.