Understanding the terms used in historical periods helps us learn about their society and economy. The question asks about the term for a wealthy person during the early Vedic period. Let's look at the options provided:

Analyzing Options for Wealth in Early Vedic Period

• Duhitri: This term refers to a daughter. In the early Vedic period, daughters were sometimes called 'Duhitri' because they milked cows. While cattle were a sign of wealth, 'Duhitri' itself means daughter, not a wealthy person.
• Gaveshna: This term literally means 'search for cows'. In the early Vedic period, cattle raids or conflicts to acquire cattle were common and were referred to as 'Gaveshna'. It relates to the acquisition of wealth (cows) but is not the term for a person who is wealthy.
• Gomat: This term is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Go', meaning cow. 'Gomat' means someone who possesses many cows. In the early Vedic period, cattle were the primary measure of wealth. Therefore, a person who owned a large number of cows was considered wealthy and was known as a 'Gomat'.
• Ravi: This term refers to the Sun god. It has no relation to wealth or social status in the early Vedic society.

Based on the meanings of these terms in the context of the early Vedic period, 'Gomat' is the term specifically used for a wealthy person, as wealth was measured primarily in terms of cattle.

Therefore, a wealthy person in the early Vedic period was known as Gomat.

Revision Table: Early Vedic Society Terms

Additional Information on Early Vedic Economy and Wealth

In the early Vedic period (roughly 1500 BCE - 1000 BCE), the society was primarily pastoral. Cattle rearing was the main economic activity. Because of this, cattle were considered the most important form of wealth. The wealth of an individual, family, or tribe was largely assessed based on the number of cows they owned.

• Importance of Cattle: Cows were not just a source of milk and dairy products but also represented status and power. They were used for transportation, agriculture (though less prominent than in later periods), and rituals.
• Other Forms of Wealth: While cattle were supreme, other possessions like horses, chariots, gold ornaments, and slaves (dasa/dasi) also constituted wealth, but cattle remained the principal measure.
• Barter System: Trade was likely conducted through a barter system, with cattle often serving as a unit of exchange or value.
• Conflicts: Many conflicts among tribes ('Gaveshna') were fought over acquiring or protecting cattle.

The term 'Gomat' clearly reflects this pastoral economy where cattle ownership was synonymous with wealth.