1. What kind of evidence from burials do archaeologists use to find out whether there were social difference amongst those who were buried?
In Brahmagiri, archaeologists located a skeleton buried with 33 gold beads, 2 stone beads, 4 copper bangles and 1 conch shell. Some other skeletons were found but with only a few pots. This helped archaeologists to find out social differences of those who were buried.
2. Which is the oldest book? When was it written?
The oldest book known all over the world is supposed to be that of the Vedas. They were written about 3,000 years back and are the earliest literary source available.
3. Why do historians study the Rigveda?
Historians study these dialogues to arrive at conclusions. Several animals like horse and cow were worshipped. Many hymns compare horses and cows to rivers. The names of popular rivers like Indus and Sarasvati figure in these hymns.
4. What does Rigveda tell us about prayers and battles?
Most prayers in the Rigveda were for cattle, children (especially sons) and horses. Horses were yoked to chariots and used in battles. The battles were aimed to capture cattle, land, pastures, water and people.
5. Which two words were used to describe people or community?
- One was the word Jana, which we still use in Hindi and other language.
- The other was Vish. The word Vaishya comes from Vish.
6. What were common features of burials?
Generally the dead were buried with distinctive pots, which were called Black and Red Ware. Also found were tools and weapons of iron and sometimes skeletons of horses, horse equipments and ornaments of stone and gold.