Vedic Life in India

Introduction

The Vedic age refers to the time period between 1500 BCE to 800 BCE. During this time period, several remarkable changes took place in the society and the world witnessed the development of the Vedic civilization. Vedas, the holy books of Hinduism, were composed during this period and are the major literally source that gives an Idea of the Vedic life.

Indo-Aryan Migration to Vedic Civilization

The beginning of the Vedic age is marked by the migration of Indo-Aryan people to the Indian subcontinent. It is believed that these groups diverged from the Indo-Iranian tribes and started settling in the northern side of the Indus Valley after the decline of the great Indus valley civilization. However, a certain group of historians and archaeologists suggest that the Indo-Aryans were indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and that their migratory history is a myth. The origin of the Indo-Aryans is a topic of debate among several schools of thought. Some say that they originated in Central Asia and some propose their origin in the steppes of Russia. However, both schools support the migratory history of the Aryans, saying at they entered India through the Khyber Pass.

Vedic Civilization

The Vedic civilization is the second great civilization after the Indus valley civilization that inhabited the Indian subcontinent. This civilization grew and dominated the area of north-western India during the time period between 1500 BCE to 800 BCE The people of Vedic Civilization were called Aryans means noble. These people were pastoral nomads. Cattle rearing was their main occupation during the early Vedic period and in the later Vedic period, agriculture became their main occupation. Apart from cattle rearing, the Vedic people carried out small scale cultivation to supplement their food needs and also involved themselves in other economic activities like chariot-making, weaving, carpentry, tanning , etc.

Life of People During the Vedic Period

The Vedic civilization experienced a change from nomadic life to urbanization and a revolution in the cultural and social norms. The Vedic period is divided into two phases − The Early Vedic period and the Later Vedic Period. The life of people was significantly different during these periods.

Life of People During the Early Vedic Period

The early Vedic age is also known as the Rig Vedic age. People during this age were mainly pastoralists. They reared cattle, sheep, goats, etc. for milk and hides. Much shreds of evidence were found in the Rigveda that suggests that cattle rearing was the main economic activity of Rig Vedic people.

The society of the Early Vedic period was patriarchal in nature. The family was the unit of the society and the eldest male member was the head of the family. Monogamy was usual among the people however, the chiefs sometimes performed polygamy. Families related by blood formed a clan or vis and the clans together formed the tribe or jana.

The society in the early Vedic period believed in the equality of people and there was no caste system. The population was divided into three categories based on the occupation. The caste then was not determined by Birth but by occupation and a person was free to choose any occupation irrespective of the occupation his ancestors carried out.

The Vedic people worshipped the elements of nature. The gods of Vedic age were personified version of the elements of the nature. There were different gods dominating the different needs of the society, for example Indra was worshipped by warriors and as a god of weather.

Life of People During Later Vedic Period

The later Vedic people were mainly agriculturists and agriculture was the primary occupation of the people during this time. The family remained the unit of society but the concept of joint family and Gotra was introduced. People of same Gotra were related by blood and hence marriage was not performed within the same Gotra.

The later Vedic period experienced a change in the social division and the caste system became dominant. The society was divided into four varnas- Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The Shudras were treated as untouchables and led a life of slaves. The Brahmans were the uppermost caste and were allowed to perform Vedic rituals. The caste became hereditary and people could not choose the occupation of their choice. The position of women declined in the later Vedic period and several restrictions were imposed on them.

The people of the later Vedic period started organising themselves to form towns and urbanization was evident during the later times. The kingship was inherited i.e. the son of a king became a king. An elaborate coronation ritual performed for the King by the Brahmans added to the power and authority of the king who was now considered as the representative of the god. It is during this period that northern India witnessed the birth of the 16th Mahajanpadas.

Conclusion

The Vedic age refers to the time period between 1500-800 BCE. The people of Vedic civilization were called Aryans. The beginning of the Vedic era is marked by the occupation of the indo-Gangetic plane in the north-western regions of the Indian subcontinent. The Vedic age is divided into two phases: the early Vedic age and the later Vedic age. During the early Vedic age, society believed in the equality of people and the caste system was not followed.

Patriarchy was followed in society but women were respected, enjoyed freedom, and were allowed to participate in social assemblies. The later Vedic period experienced the prevalence of the caste system and the caste became hereditary. The Brahmans rose to power whereas the king was considered as the representative of god. The position of women significantly declined. Shudras were treated as untouchables and led sorrowful life.

FAQs

Q.1. Which Vedic books consist of the Gayatri Mantra?

Ans. The third Mandal of Rigveda contains the Gayatri Mantra which was composed for the worship of the sun-god Savitri.

Q.2. Name the four Vedas?

Ans. Rigveda, Samveda, Atharvaveda, and Yajurveda.

Q.3. What are the four divisions of Vedas?

Ans. The four divisions of Vedas are- Samhitas, Aryankas, Brahmanas, and Upanishads.

Q.4. How was the life of women in the later Vedic period different from the women in the early Vedic period?

Ans. The women in the early Vedic period enjoyed a respectful position. They were allowed to make decisions related to their marriage. They were allowed to learn and participate in the assemblies. However, during the later Vedic period the position of women in society declined. Restrictions were imposed on them. They were not allowed to participate in social assemblies. A girl child was considered as the reason for sorrow and she was married at an early age and was supposed to stay with her husband for rest of her life.

Q.5. Where did Aryans come from?

Ans. Aryans are believed to come from the central regions of Asia. They are believed to have diverged from the Indo-Iranian groups and migrated to inhabit the northern regions of Indus Valley.