Vedic Age

Concept: The Vedic society was largely pastoral, and cattle were considered the primary measure of wealth and prosperity.
Step 1: Understanding the term "Gavisthi".
The word "Gavisthi" is derived from "Go" (cow) and was used in the Rigvedic context.
Step 2: Meaning in Vedic society.
It referred to conflicts or raids carried out for acquiring cattle, which often took the form of wars between tribes.
Step 3: Significance.

• Reflects pastoral economy
• Indicates importance of cattle as wealth
• Shows frequent inter-tribal conflicts

Step 4: Eliminating other options.

• Agriculture and trade were less dominant in early Vedic period
• Religious rituals had separate terminology

Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, "Gavisthi" referred to cattle raids or wars.

Concept: The Saptanga Theory is an ancient Indian political theory describing the essential elements of a state. It is a foundational concept in ancient Indian polity.
Step 1: Understanding Saptanga Theory.
"Saptanga" means "seven limbs," referring to the seven essential components of a state.
Step 2: The seven elements.
According to the theory, a state consists of:

• Swami (King)
• Amatya (Ministers)
• Janapada (Territory and population)
• Durga (Fort)
• Kosha (Treasury)
• Danda (Army)
• Mitra (Allies)

Step 3: Propounder of the theory.
Kautilya (also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta), in his work Arthashastra, elaborated this theory.
Step 4: Eliminating other options.

• Manu: Known for Manusmriti
• Megasthenes: Greek ambassador and writer (Indica)
• Panini: Grammarian

Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, Kautilya propounded the Saptanga Theory.

Concept: "Ashtadhyayi" is one of the most important works in Sanskrit grammar and linguistics. It systematizes the structure of the Sanskrit language.
Step 1: Understanding Ashtadhyayi.
The Ashtadhyayi is a comprehensive grammar consisting of around 4000 rules (sutras) that describe the structure of Sanskrit.
Step 2: Identifying the author.
It was written by Panini, an ancient Indian scholar and grammarian.
Step 3: Significance of the work.

• Foundation of classical Sanskrit grammar
• One of the earliest works on linguistics in the world
• Highly systematic and scientific approach

Step 4: Eliminating other options.

• Kalidasa: Famous poet and dramatist
• Patanjali: Commentator on Panini’s work (Mahabhashya)
• Chanakya: Known for Arthashastra

Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, Panini is the author of Ashtadhyayi.