Use of which metal increased in the Later Vedic period?

Iron

The Later Vedic period is generally associated with the increasing use of iron in the Indian subcontinent. Iron tools were stronger and more useful for clearing forests and preparing land for cultivation. This supported the movement of settlements toward the fertile areas of the Ganga-Yamuna region and helped agriculture expand. The question asks which metal increased in use, not which metal was valuable or used for ornaments.

Gold and silver were known and valued, but they are not the metal especially connected with the major technological and agricultural changes of the Later Vedic period. Tin also does not fit this historical association. Therefore iron is the best answer, making option B correct. The useful examination link is Later Vedic period, iron tools, forest clearance, and agricultural expansion.

This is a Class 10 General Knowledge question. Chapter: Indian History. Topic: Ancient Indian History.