Consider the following statements about the Rigvedic period: I. 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. II. 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:
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A hard Indian History multiple-choice question from UPSC Prelims 2026. Attempt it above, then check the correct answer and detailed explanation below.
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Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only
Information 1 supports statement I (the ashma chakra and ahava were used to draw well water for irrigation), and information 3 supports statement II (the use of oxen as draught animals). Information 2 (axes and sickles) relates to cultivation generally, not to drawing water from wells.
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