Question

Which one of the following usages was a post-Vedic development?
a. Dharma -Artha -Kama -Moksha
b. Brahmana-Kshatriya -Vaishya -Shudra
c. Brahmacharya-Grihastashrama-Vanaprastha -Sanyasa
d. Indra -Surya-Rudra -Marut

Answer 1

Hint: The Rigvedic or Early Vedic society transitioned into the Later Vedic society between 1000BC to 600BC. Several developments took place in the Later and Post Vedic period with respect to society, politics, religion and economy. Brahmans became particularly important in this period.

Complete answer: The Ashrams or four stages of life was a Post Vedic development.The four Ashrams were Brahmacharya-Grihastashrama-Vanaprastha -Sanyasa. In this system human life was divided into four stages and every person had to go through these four stages at appropriate times in life.
-The Brahmacharya, this stage was the period before marriage when a person practised celibacy and is a student. A person should be absolutely obedient to his Guru or teacher and be respectful to his elders.
-Grihastashrama, in this stage the man returns to his house, gets married and starts a family. He fulfils his duties as a father and a husband.
-Vanaprastha, in this stage a man should devote his time to prayers and charity. This is after he sees his grandchildren and has lived almost half his life.
-Sanyasa, in this stage the man renounces all worldly pleasures and attachments and spends his time meditating and trying to attain salvation. Anyone can join this stage at any point in life.

Thus, the correct option is C.

Note: This system of Ashrams is estimated to have been in practice since the 5th century BC, these stages of life are not a requirement, rather an ideal. Every person should aim to live his life according to these stages. Only the first three stages find a mention in the Later Vedic texts, the last stage is believed to have been added later to the ashram system.