In early Vedic literature, what is the literal meaning of the word Arya, used as a term of self identification by certain groups?

Introduction / Context:
The term Arya appears frequently in Vedic literature and later Sanskrit texts. Modern debates have sometimes given this word political or racial meanings that differ from its original usage. In the early texts, Arya was primarily a cultural and ethical term used to describe people who followed certain norms and values. Examinations often ask about the literal or traditional meaning of Arya in this ancient context. This question checks whether you know that Arya literally means noble or superior in conduct.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the literal meaning of Arya in early Indian sources.
• Options suggest meanings such as superior, learned scholar, priest, warrior and farmer.
• We assume a historical and linguistic understanding rather than modern political interpretations.
• The answer is based on standard dictionary and textual explanations.

Concept / Approach:
In Sanskrit, Arya is commonly translated as noble, respectable or honourable. It described a person of good conduct who followed accepted moral and social norms. It did not originally denote race in the modern sense. Over time, the word came to be used in different ways, but its basic literal sense of nobility remained. The correct approach in an exam is to think of Arya as meaning noble or superior in character, rather than as a technical title for priest or warrior.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase literal meaning in the question. Step 2: Recall from Sanskrit vocabulary that Arya is translated as noble, honourable or respectable. Step 3: Recognise that learned scholar, priest or warrior are roles or occupations, not the direct dictionary meaning of the word. Step 4: Understand that superior here refers to moral or social nobility, not to claims of biological superiority. Step 5: Choose superior or noble as the option that best captures this literal sense.

Verification / Alternative check:
Sanskrit dictionaries and introductory texts on Indian culture consistently define Arya as noble, honourable or worthy. Classical literature uses the term as a polite form of address and to praise someone character. It is not limited to a specific caste or profession. Many exam preparation books that discuss the Rigvedic people also mention that Arya means noble and is used in that cultural sense. These repeated explanations across reliable sources confirm that superior or noble is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option B: Learned scholar could be described by words like pandita but is not the literal meaning of Arya.
• Option C: Priest is usually called purohita or brahmana, not Arya in a literal sense.
• Option D: Warrior is referred to by terms like kshatriya or vira, not Arya as a direct translation.
• Option E: Farmer has different Sanskrit terms and is not the direct meaning of Arya.

Common Pitfalls:
A major pitfall is reading modern ideas about race back into ancient terms. Some students also confuse Arya with specific caste names because both appear in the same chapters of history books. To avoid this, focus on the linguistic meaning given by traditional Sanskrit sources. You can remember that Arya is similar to the English word noble and was used to praise someone character or status in society. Keeping this simple association in mind will help you answer questions about the term accurately.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Superior or noble.