History & Civics
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"All aspects of life were discussed in these assemblies. These may include wars, distribution of the spoils of wars, judicial and religious activities etc. Thus these assemblies in a way limited the powers of the chiefs." (Source: https://www.nios.ac.in/media/documents/SrSec315NEW/315HistoryEng/315HistoryEng_Lesson4.pdf)
(a) Define the Sabha and the Samiti.
(b) What was the primary role of the Sabha and Samiti in Rig Vedic administration?
Vedic Period
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Answer
(a) Sabha — 'Sabha' was a council composed of only the distinguished members to assist the king. Free discussions were held in the Sabha and the resolutions were passed by the majority vote. Its decisions were applicable to all and everybody had to abide by these decisions.
Samiti — The Samiti was the council for the whole tribe. There was freedom of expression to every member and the resolutions were carried by the majority of vote. Even the king had to seek the cooperation of the Samiti which helped him in strengthening his position.
(b) The Sabha and the Samiti were two councils of chosen members from among the people to assist the king. They had great importance and they exercised control over the king so that he did not turn into an autocrat.
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Related Questions
Name the four Vedas and briefly describe their focus.
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"There is however the general point that the Later Vedic society reflected in archaeology was a society which had used iron. Iron objects are common to most of the PGW sites."
(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/64790/1/BLOCK%203.pdf)
(a) Which iron tools were used to improve agricultural yield in the Later Vedic period?
(b) How did the use of iron tools impact the Later Vedic period?
Name any two gods worshipped by the Rig Vedic Aryans and the Later Vedic Aryans.
Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follows:
"The varna system had become rigid. Transformation from one varna to another had become difficult. Community lunch and inter-marriages had ceased to exist."
(a) Give the names of the four 'Varnas'.
(b) How did the varna system change during the Later Vedic period?