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Q4. What do early texts such as the Rigveda, Arthashastra, and the Mahabharata reveal about political and social life?
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Rigveda: It mentions about thirty janas , including the panchajana , and refers to assemblies such as the sabha, samiti and vidhata . The Purushasukta in Book 10 contains the earliest reference to the four social categories understood as varna. Rigveda 9.112.3 describes a poet, a physician and a grinder of corn in one family, supporting the chapter's point that occupations could be flexible and were not yet strictly hereditary.
Arthashastra: It discusses statecraft, the Saptanga or seven constituents of the state, the need for cooperation in governance, the wider idea of Prithivi , and economic matters such as trade, land classification and revenue.
Mahabharata: Its Shanti Parva discusses the ethical conduct and responsibilities of rulers. The text also links justice with dharma and includes reflections on samatva and the welfare of all beings.
