Question

The warrior-ruler of the Vedic civilization was ____________.

Answer 1

The Kshatriya class served as the warrior-rulers in the Vedic civilization, which was a hierarchical society based on the varna system. The priestly Brahman caste held the highest position, legitimizing rulers through Vedic rituals, and influential emperors like Chandragupta Gupta played significant roles in unifying and developing the civilization.

Step-by-step explanation:

The warrior-ruler of the Vedic civilization was referred to as the Kshatriya, which is part of the varna system that arose during the Vedic period. These members of noble families functioned as rulers who protected their kingdoms and carried out conquests to expand their domains. The varna system was a four-fold classification system that included the Brahmans at the top, followed by the Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.

The Kshatriyas' legitimization as rulers often involved Vedic rituals such as the horse sacrifice, which signified royal sovereignty. The Brahmans, as the priestly and highest caste, had authority derived from their expertise in sacrificial rituals and their guardianship over the sacred texts. Over time, rulers like the Gupta dynasty's emperor Chandragupta and his son Samudragupta expanded and unified much of India, blending their love for arts and science with the martial sovereign role of Kshatriyas.

Answer 2

The Kshatriya were the warrior-rulers of the Vedic civilization, positioned in a hierarchical social structure beneath the priestly Brahmans and recognized for their military and ritual roles in society.

Step-by-step explanation:

The warrior-ruler of the Vedic civilization was known as the Kshatriya. These rulers were aristocratic warriors and members of noble families who fought in small but effective armies to protect their kingdoms and expand their territories. The Vedic period saw the rise of a hierarchical social structure, with the warrior class sitting below the Brahmans, who were the priestly and highest caste in the Indian caste system. Significant to their role, these warrior-rulers often engaged in the Vedic version of horse sacrifices, which was a critical ritual for asserting their legitimacy as rulers. This practice, along with their prowess on the battlefield, reinforced their esteemed status within the Vedic society.

The Gupta Dynasty, for instance, had notable warrior-rulers like Chandragupta and his son Samudragupta, who was acclaimed for his military conquests. Warrior rulers of the Vedic period were deeply connected to the sacrificial rituals and were pivotal in guarding the Vedic traditions while ensuring the upkeep of their dominance over various territories.