Which of the following terms is used for identification of time in the Rigvedic period ?

The correct answer is - Godhuli

Key Points

• Godhuli
  • The term Godhuli literally translates to "cow dust time" and refers to the time of the day when cows return home, creating dust clouds. This time corresponds to the evening twilight.
  • In the Rigvedic period, the concept of time was often associated with natural phenomena, and Godhuli was a practical term to mark the transition from day to night.
  • The use of Godhuli indicates the importance of agrarian and pastoral life in Vedic society, where daily activities were synchronized with nature and the movement of livestock.
  • It reflects the absence of precise timekeeping devices in the Rigvedic era, relying instead on observable events like sunrise, sunset, and the behavior of animals.

Additional Information

• Other Rigvedic terms
  • Gotra: Refers to a lineage or clan, particularly among Brahmins. It is not related to timekeeping.
  • Gaveshana: Means "search" or "inquiry," often used in the context of finding or exploring. It is unrelated to marking time.
  • Gavishti: Signifies a "desire for cows" or "battle for cows," reflecting the importance of cattle in Vedic society. It does not denote time.
• Timekeeping in the Vedic period
  • Time was primarily measured based on natural events like the position of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as activities of animals.
  • Terms such as Pratah (morning), Sayam (evening), and Madhyahna (midday) were used to denote different parts of the day.
  • The Rigvedic lifestyle was closely tied to agricultural and pastoral activities, influencing the way time was conceptualized and marked.