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Difficulty: MediumAncient Indian Civilizations and Early Empires

With reference to the political and social institutions of the Early Vedic Period in ancient India, consider the following statements:

1. The 'Sabha' functioned as a smaller council of village elders and influential nobles, whereas the 'Samiti' was a comprehensive folk assembly representing the tribe as a whole.
2. Women were permitted to participate in the deliberations of the 'Sabha' during the Early Vedic Period.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2Answer
  4. D
    Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

Both 1 and 2 are correct.
Both statements are correct. During the Early Vedic (Rigvedic) period, the 'Sabha' was a smaller council composed of elders and distinguished members who performed administrative and judicial functions, while the 'Samiti' was the larger general body of the tribe. Furthermore, women held high status in Rigvedic society and were allowed to participate in the deliberations of the Sabha, a privilege that was revoked during the Later Vedic period.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze statement 1 regarding the administrative roles of the Sabha and Samiti.
In the Rigvedic (Early Vedic) period, the 'Sabha' was a select body of elders and nobles performing judicial and advisory functions, while the 'Samiti' was the general assembly of the entire tribe ('vis') responsible for major tribal decisions including electing the 'Rajan' (chief). Statement 1 is correct.
Establishing the structural distinction between tribal political bodies in the Rigvedic era.
2
Analyze statement 2 regarding women's participation in Early Vedic assemblies.
In the Early Vedic period, women enjoyed equal social status in political life and actively attended assemblies such as the Sabha (referred to as Sabhavati). This practice declined later in the Later Vedic period. Statement 2 is correct.
Evaluating gender participation rights across early Indian historical phases.

Key Concept

Early Vedic Political Institutions (Sabha and Samiti)
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Topics

Ancient Indian Civilizations and Early Empires

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