Q. Consider the following statements regarding “Later Vedic Society”:
1.Later Vedic society came to be known as Varna-ashrama-dharma society.
2.Caste exogamy was extensively practiced in Later Vedic Society.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C
Notes:

Explanation: One of the most important changes from the Rig Vedic society was the rise and growth of social differentiation in the form of the varna system.

  • The Later Vedic society was clearly divided into four varnas: Brahmanas, Rajanyas or Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.
  • Another important institution that began to take shape was ashrama or the different stages of life.
  • Together with varna, Later Vedic society came to be known as Varna-ashrama-dharma society.
  • The upper three classes known as Dvija (twice born) discriminated against both Shudras and Chandalas.
  • Caste exogamy was extensively practiced, and a rigid social hierarchy developed, which restricted the social mobility of the earlier period.

Source: Tamil Nadu NCERT