The cow was an important form of wealth in :

The cow was an important form of wealth in :

the Rigvedic age.
the later-Vedic age.
the post-Vedic age.
the Epic age.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2010
In the Rigvedic age (circa 1500-1000 BCE), society was predominantly pastoral. Cattle, especially cows, were the most important form of wealth. They were a measure of status, used in exchanges, and often the object of raids and conflicts (Gavishti). Land was not as crucial as pastoral wealth and was likely communally owned or less defined in terms of individual property rights compared to later periods.
– Rigvedic economy was primarily pastoral.
– Cattle were the main form of wealth and medium of exchange.
– Terms like ‘Gopati’ (lord of cattle) signified importance, and ‘Gavishti’ (search for cows) referred to conflict.
The Later Vedic period saw a shift towards agriculture and settled life, making land increasingly important, although cattle remained valuable. By the post-Vedic and Epic ages, agriculture and trade were well-established, leading to a more diversified understanding of wealth.
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