UPSC Prelims 2026 Question:

Consider the following statements about the Rigvedic period

1. Irrigation from wells allowed agriculture to expand away from flood plains and strips on river margins  into the present Punjab and Haryana plains having underground water levels reasonably close to the  surface. 
2. Draught-animal power was employed to draw up water out of the wells.
   
   

Which of the following information support/supports the above statements? 

1. There is evidence in the Rigveda of the use of ashma chakra (stone pulley wheel) and ahava (strapped  wooden pails) to draw up water. 
2. Mention has been made in the Rigveda of the use of implements like parashu/kulisha (axe) and datra / sreni (sickle). 
3. There is a history of the use of ox, even before the Rigveda, for ploughing the land and pulling the carts. Select the answer using the code given below:

Explanation: 

The Rigvedic economy was both pastoral and agricultural in nature. The Rigveda contains several references to  wells, irrigation devices, plough agriculture, and the use of draught animals, indicating a gradual expansion of  cultivation in the Punjab and Haryana plains. 

• The Rigveda refers to wells such as avata and kupa, along with irrigation channels called kulya. It also  mentions devices like the ashma chakra (stone pulley wheel) and ahava (strapped wooden or leather  pails) used for drawing water from wells. So, statement 1 in the list supports Statements I and II. 
• There is also clear evidence, even before the Rigvedic period, of the use of oxen for ploughing fields and  pulling carts. These oxen would have served as the draught-animal power required for lifting water  from wells and for agricultural expansion into regions away from immediate riverbanks. So, statement 3  supports Statements I and II. 
• Agricultural implements such as parashu/kulisha (axe) and datra/sreni (sickle) relate to clearing  vegetation and harvesting crops. So, statement 2 does not supports Statements I and II.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.