Question

 With respect to Ancient Indian History and the orthodox practices of the period, who were not allowed to study the Vedas?
a. Brahmin
b. Kshatriya
c. Women and Shudras
d. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: The Vedas are a vast body of ancient India-origin holy texts. The books written in Vedic Sanskrit, form the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and Hinduism's oldest scriptures. The Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda, and the Atharvaveda are the four Vedas.

Complete answer:

In the Vedic period, the Varna system was flexible, had no concept of Shudras and untouchables and even women had greater freedom, but in the Later Vedic Period, significant changes could be seen in the society which led to the development of rigid caste system and orthodox practices. The society was divided into following four varnas in the Later Vedic Period:

- The first Varna was that of the Brahmins who expected to study as well as teach the Vedas and also were allowed to perform the sacrifices as well as receive gifts.

- The second Varna was of the Kshatriyas, who were supposed to be the rulers and were expected to rule and protect people.

- The third Varna was of the Vish or Vaishyas, who were generally the farmers, herders, merchants and traders. 

- The fourth were Shudras who were expected to serve the other three.

The first, second and third Varnas were allowed to perform rituals unlike the fourth Varna. Women and Shudras (those from the fourth Varna) were prohibited from studying the Vedas since, according to the ancient Varna System, they were only expected to do the tasks allocated to them. 

It is important to note that as per the ancient orthodox practices, the fourth Varna as well as women were not allowed to study Vedas but in today's time, no such practices exist and all are considered as equal with respect to education as per the Indian Constitution. 

Additional Information:

The Samhitas (mantras and blessings), the Aranyakas (the text on rites, ceremonies, sacrifices, and symbolic sacrifices), the Brahmanas (commentaries on rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices), and the Upanishads (the text on meditation, religion, and divine knowledge) are four subdivisions of each Veda. Some scholars introduce a fifth group – the Upasanas (worship). The Upanishads' scriptures present concepts close to the heterodox practice of sramana. The Vedas are śruti, differentiating them from other holy scriptures known as smriti ("what is remembered"). The four Vedas were said to be compiled by Sage Vyasa, commonly known as Veda Vyasa.

Hence, the correct answer is Option C.

Note:  It is important to note that, though most of the hymns in the Rigveda were learnt as well as composed by the men, a few of them were also said to be composed by women as well.