Introduction
During the period between 1500 BCE and 800 BCE, society underwent a number of notable changes and the world saw the rise of the Vedic culture. This time period is termed the Vedic age. Hinduism’s holy writings, the Vedas, were written during this time and are now the primary literary sources that provide an understanding of Vedic life.
Indo-Aryan Migration to Vedic Civilization
The arrival of Indo-Aryans on the Indian subcontinent marks the beginning of the Vedic era. These people are thought to have split off from the Indo-Iranian tribes and begun settling in the northern Indus Valley after the great Indus Valley civilization had collapsed. Some historians and archaeologists, however, contend that the Indo-Aryans were native to the Indian subcontinent and that the myth of their migratory origins is untrue. There is disagreement among many schools of thought regarding the Indo-Aryan people’s origin. Some claim that they are from Central Asia, while others suggest that they are from the Russian steppes.
Vedic Civilization
The Vedic civilization was the second great civilization after the Indus valley civilization that inhabited the Indian subcontinent. This civilization grew and dominated the area of northwestern India during the time period between 1500 BCE to 800 BCE. The people of Vedic Civilization were called Aryans which 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 age is basically divided into two phases: The early Vedic Age and the Later Vedic Age. The significant changes in people’s social and cultural life during this time period led to such distinction.
Life of people during the Early Vedic period
Society
The Early Vedic era was characterized by patriarchal culture. The family served as the social unit, and the oldest male member served as the family head. The majority of the populace practiced monogamy, but the leaders occasionally practiced polygamy. Families related by blood formed the clan and clans together formed the Jana or tribe.
There was no caste system in early Vedic society since everyone was treated equally. Based on the people’s occupations, the population was classified into three groups. A person may pick any occupation, regardless of what his ancestors did for a living, and caste was then decided by occupation rather than birth.
Occupation
The Rigvedic age is another name for the early Vedic period. There are numerous indications throughout Rigveda that raising cattle was the Rigvedic people’s primary source of income. The majority of people at this time were pastoralists. For milk and hides, they raised cattle, sheep, goats, and other animals.
Religion
The Vedic people revered the natural elements. The gods of the Vedic era were incarnations of natural elements. There were various gods who controlled the various needs of the civilization. For instance, warriors worshipped Indra, who was also considered a deity of the weather.
Life of people during the Later Vedic Period
Society and the Caste System
The caste system began to take hold during the later Vedic period when societal divisions changed. The four varnas Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras made up the society.
The Shudras were considered to be untouchables and were subject to slavery. The highest caste, the Brahmans, had access to perform Vedic rites. The caste system was made hereditary, preventing people from choosing the careers they wanted. In the later Vedic period, women’s status decreased and a number of limitations were placed on them. Despite the introduction of the combined family and Gotra concepts, the family nevertheless served as the foundation of society. Since members of the same gotra were blood relatives, marriages within the same gotra were not common.
In the later Vedic period, individuals began organizing themselves to establish towns, and urbanization became apparent. The kingship was inherited, hence the son of a monarch succeeded his father as ruler. The King’s power and authority were increased by an elaborate coronation ritual performed for him by the Brahmans, who were now regarded as the god’s representatives. Northern India witnessed the rise of the 16th Mahajanpadas during this time.
Occupation
Most of the later Vedic people were farmers, and at this time, farming was the people’s main source of income.
Summary
The 1500–800 BCE era is referred to as the Vedic age. The Aryans were the inhabitants of the Vedic civilization. The early Vedic age and the later Vedic age are the two periods that comprise the Vedic age.
Early Vedic civilization did not adhere to the caste system and valued individual equality. The society was patriarchal, yet women were respected, had freedom, and were permitted to attend social gatherings.
The caste system was prevalent during the later Vedic period and became hereditary. While the king was regarded as the divine representative, the Brahmans rose to prominence. Women’s status has greatly deteriorated. Shudras were considered untouchables and lived miserable lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which texts in Vedic literature contain the Gayatri Mantra?
Ans: The Gayatri Mantra, which was written for Savitri, the sun goddess, is found in the third Mandal of the Rigveda.
2. What are the four Vedas?
Ans: Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda are the four Vedas.
3. Comment on the origin of Aryans.
Ans: The central Asian regions are said to be the origin of the Aryans. They are thought to have split off from the Indo-Iranian tribes and relocated to live in the Indus Valley’s northern parts.