Consider the following statements regarding the Rigvedic polity and society: 1. The tribal chief was known as the Rajan and his primary duty was protecting the tribe and cattle. 2. Women participated in tribal assemblies such as Sabha and Samiti during the early Vedic period. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Both statements are correct. In the Rigvedic era, the tribal chief or Rajan protected the cattle wealth and tribe, assisted by military leaders like the Senani. Assemblies such as Sabha and Samiti wielded considerable political authority and allowed the active participation of women. Later Vedic texts witnessed a decline in women's political rights and the hardening of the varna system. Rigvedic society was largely pastoral and semi-nomadic.