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 :
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 3 only
Why the answer is (c)
• Statements I and II are about drawing water from wells with animal power for irrigation; the question asks which pieces of evidence support them.
• Evidence 1 supports both: the Rigveda mentions the ashma-chakra (stone pulley wheel) and ahava (strapped wooden pails), the apparatus of well irrigation.
• Evidence 3 supports statement II: the ox was already used for ploughing and pulling carts, so draught-animal power for lifting water is credible.
• Evidence 2 is about axes and sickles — tools for clearing and harvesting — and says nothing about wells or animal power, so it does not support the statements.
• Hence 1 and 3 only.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Evidence 2 (axes and sickles) is irrelevant to well irrigation; evidence 3 on draught oxen is relevant.
- (b) 1, 2 and 3
- Evidence 2 does not bear on wells or animal power, so it cannot be included.
- (d) 3 only
- Evidence 1 on pulleys and pails directly supports the statements and must be included.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.