In ancient Indo-Aryan usage, the word “Arya” (Aryan) most literally conveys the sense of a person who is

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to early Indo-Aryan cultural history and philology. The term “Arya” appears in the Vedas and later texts and has been widely discussed in both scholarly and popular contexts. For exam purposes, it is important to distinguish its original cultural meaning from later racial or political misuse. Understanding what the word conveyed in ancient texts helps you answer straightforward MCQs and avoid common misconceptions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks what the word “Arya” (Aryan) means in its original sense.
• The options include “of good family or noble character”, “cultivator”, “pastoral society” and “brahmachari”.
• We assume a basic understanding of how terms were used in early Sanskrit literature.
• We focus on the literal, cultural meaning rather than modern racial interpretations, which are not relevant for this GK question.

Concept / Approach:
In early Sanskrit and Indo-Iranian usage, “Arya” generally meant “noble”, “honourable” or “of good family”. It referred more to a cultural and ethical ideal than to a strict racial concept. The term was used to describe people who followed certain norms of speech, ritual and behaviour considered refined or civilised. While early Indo-Aryan groups did practise agriculture and pastoralism and valued the stage of brahmacharya, the word “Arya” itself primarily conveyed the idea of nobility and respectability, not a specific occupation or life-stage.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the linguistic root: in many Indo-Aryan and Indo-Iranian contexts, “Arya” is glossed as “noble” or “honourable”.Step 2: Recognise that the term was applied to people who belonged to a refined, culturally valued community and followed certain social and ritual codes.Step 3: Understand that while Aryan groups were often pastoral and later agricultural, the word itself does not literally mean “farmer” or “pastoral society”.Step 4: Note that “brahmachari” refers to a specific stage of life (celibate student), which is not the direct meaning of “Arya”.Step 5: Among the options, “of good family or noble character” clearly captures the primary sense of honourable and respectable status associated with the term.Step 6: Therefore, select “of good family or noble character” as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard textbooks on ancient Indian history and basic Sanskrit glossaries explain “Arya” as meaning “noble”, “honourable” or “of respectable lineage”. They explicitly warn against confusing this cultural-ethical meaning with later racial or political misuse of the term. Exam guides that discuss the origin of the word “Aryan” for ancient Indian context consistently provide “noble” or “of good family” as the correct interpretation in MCQs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A cultivator or farmer by occupation: While Aryan groups did take up agriculture, this is not the literal meaning of the word “Arya”.Member of a purely pastoral society: Many early groups were pastoral, but the term emphasises nobility and honour, not just economic lifestyle.A lifelong celibate student (brahmachari): This refers to a specific stage in the ashrama system, not to the basic meaning of “Arya”.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners associate “Arya” with any quality or occupation they know was common among early Indo-Aryans, such as pastoralism or farming, and choose those options. Others may carry modern racial or ideological notions into the question, which exam setters do not intend. To avoid confusion, remember that in original Sanskrit usage, “Arya” is most directly translated as “noble” or “of good family”, reflecting social respect and cultural refinement.

Final Answer:
In ancient Indo-Aryan usage, the word “Arya” essentially meant a person who is of good family or noble character.