UNIT 11 (8 MARKS)
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EARLY AND LATER VEDIC AGEWITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO
SOCIAL ECONOMIC AND RELIGIOUS LIFE.
EARLY VEDIC AGE = BC 1500 - BC 1000 Rig Vedic Age
LATER VEDIC AGE = BC 1000 - BC 600 Epic Age
The Vedic Period is one of major milestones in the history of India. It is estimated that the Vedic Period in India lasted from 1500 - 600 B.C. This period brought about a multitude of changes in the lifestyle of people. The Vedic age is broadly classified into two categories: Early Vedic Age and Later Vedic age. There was development in agricultural practices, worshipping patterns, philosophical outlooks, etc. A number of dynasties and new religions came into being during this period that left a huge impact on people.
The migration of the Aryans to the Indian sub continent is what triggered off the Vedic Age. As the name suggests, this period got its name from the four major Vedas or the sacred scriptures that were created during that time. The four sacred Vedas are Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. These scriptures provide essential knowledge of the lifestyle during the Vedic Age. The Vedas are the foundation of the Hindu religion. Apart from the Vedas, we have two great epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata written during this age. These two epics tell a lot about the culture, society, religious beliefs, etc. of people during that time.
Dasa - Early Aryans
Dasyu - Original inhabitants
Panchanjana - 5 tribes of Aryans
Jana - Tribe or clan
Gavishthi - Search for Cows
Rajan - The head of jana
Sabha - King performed all duties with its consent.
Samiti - Elective Body, Advisory Body, King could not act against its decision.
Gramini - Head of Small fighting group later head of village.
Vis - Word used for Tribe . Probably a group of villages.
SOCIAL LIFE
The Aryans in India had ceased to be nomads & had taken to settled life . The basic social unit was probably the patriarchal family. The families lived in houses made of wood & bamboo. Both vegetarian & non- vegetarian foods were taken. Wheat & Barley were main Foodgrains, Rice was introduced later.Vegetables, Fruits Milk & Milk Products Were used . Drinks included soma & sure. Particular attention was paid to dress & Ornament. Clothes were made of cotton, dear skin, wool.The hair was worn long & combed. Women were held in great respect. Means of recreation consisted of chariot races, hunting etc.
During later vedic age there was little change in social life. While the previous style of dress continued, clothes were also made of silk & dyed with saffron. The tendency of meat eating increased. The later vedic society came to be divided into four varnas called the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, & Sudras.
ECONOMIC LIFE
The rig vedic people were essentially agriculturists. Agriculture was carried with the help of bulls & oxen. Sickles were used for harvesting. Lands were watered by artificial channels. They were economically advanced people. Their chief occupation was domestication of animals. They reared chiefly cows, oxen, sheep, goats etc. They cultivated land with wooden ploughs. They had a good knowledge about the methods of farming. Some people were engaged in cottage industries such as weaving, carpenting, leathering etc. The Aryans tried to bring economic equality in the society. They divided the property according to the number of family members. The arrangement for khilya land was made. Khilya was the common land of the village.
RELIGIOUS LIFE
The religion, that took root during the Vedic era, with its rich pantheon of Gods and Goddesses, and its storehouse of myths and legends, became the foundation of the Hindu religion
During the early Vedic period religion was in the form of nature worship. Fire, sun, wind, sky and trees were worshipped. Prayers were offered to Agni, Vayu and Surya. Agni and Varuna were the most favourite Gods. Yagas and Yajnas were the most common rituals. Since Gods had no definite shape, there were no statues and even temples.
There were religious ceremonies and all such practices were followed on the lines of the methods laid down in the Vedas. These ceremonies were seen of a communication between man and the Creator.
The sanctified religious practices were later replaced by elaborate rituals and expensive ceremonies that were usually out of the reach of ordinary people. The performing of such rituals also made the Brahmins important in society and was considered to be the representatives of God on earth.
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