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    What was used in the Vedic period as a unit of money in the barter system?
    Question

    What was used in the Vedic period as a unit of money in the barter system?

    A.

    Arms

    B.

    Cattle

    C.

    Copper coins

    D.

    Silver coins

    Correct option is B

    The correct answer is (b) Cattle.

    • In the Vedic period, cattle were commonly used as a unit of money and wealth. Cattle were essential for agricultural work, as well as for food and milk, making them highly valuable.

    • The barter system during this time involved exchanging goods or services directly without the use of currency, and cattle served as a major medium of exchange.

    Information Booster:

    • Cattle were considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity in ancient Indian society, especially in the Vedic period.

    • The Vedic texts mention the importance of cows and bulls in society, and their role in trade and commerce.

    • Although coins like silver and copper began to emerge later in Indian history, they were not used during the early Vedic period.

    Facts about the Vedic Age:

    1. Time Period:

      • The Vedic Age lasted from 1500 BCE to 500 BCE, divided into the Early Vedic (Rigveda) and Later Vedic periods.

    2. Vedas:

      • The Vedas are the oldest sacred texts, consisting of the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda, composed in Sanskrit.

    3. Social Structure:

      • Society was tribal and patriarchal, with a Varna system (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras), which later evolved into the caste system.

    4. Economy:

      • The economy was agrarian, with cattle used as a form of wealth and in the barter system. Trade and farming were key aspects.

    5. Religion:

      • Polytheistic beliefs, with deities related to natural forces (Agni, Indra, Surya). Yajnas (sacrificial rituals) were central to Vedic religion.

    6. Language:

      • Sanskrit was the primary language, used for religious texts and oral transmission of knowledge.

    7. Political System:

      • Early Vedic society had monarchical rule (Rajas), with tribal republics emerging later.

    8. Education:

      • Education was oral and conducted in Gurukuls (teacher-student system).

    9. Decline:

      • The rise of Buddhism and Jainism around 500 BCE led to the decline of the traditional Vedic system.

    10. Scientific Contributions:

      • Vedic people had knowledge in astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.

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