Describe the social life of the Vedic period. What changes are made in the social field in the later Vedic period?
Describe the social life of the Vedic period. What changes are made in the social field in the later Vedic period?
Give a pen - picture of the early Vedic society. What changes do you notice in the later Vedic period?
Features of early Vedic and later Vedic period.
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If we divide the entire Aryan civilization into two categories - (1) Rik Vedic Aryans and (2) Aryans of the later Vedic period - we see these two categories. Although the social system of the Aryans during the Vedic period was the basic foundation of the Vedic society, in the later Vedic period some important features of this social system were maintained and some parts were changed. By discussing the social structure of the Vedic period and the post-Vedic period, we can know what the social system was like in the Rig-Vedic period and what changes took place in the post-Vedic period.
Social system of Aryans in Rig Vedic period:-
Paternal Head -
The foundation of Vedic society, like the state, was the family and was patriarchal. The head of the family was the father. He was known as Grhapati . His power over family members was unlimited.
Place of women in society -
In Vedic society, women were held in the highest esteem. They were men's co-workers and co-wives. Women were prohibited from taking multiple husbands. Women have always had authority over the household. They also helped men outside the inner city. The practice of castration was not prevalent among women. They would get proper education. Women such as Vishwabara, Ghosha, Apala, Mamta, Lopamudra, etc., in the age of Rig Veda gained their origin in different scriptures. Some of them are also famous as authors of many Vedic hymns. Apart from literary practice, women were also taught martial arts, navigation etc. Child marriage and polygamy were not common. The practice of Sati was also not prevalent. However, the practice of marrying childless, widowed cousins was prevalent. The moral character of women was high.
Classless society in primary stage -
Early Vedic Aryas were divided into three classes - the warrior or elite class; The priestly class and the common people. Caste discrimination was not prevalent in the early stages. No profession was prohibited and intermarriage was also common among these three classes. There were no ethical or religious restrictions regarding food etc. The primary social and political organization of the Aryans was formed with these three classes.
In the words of Romila Thapar - The three divisions merely facilitated social and economic organization.
Origin of Caste -
But due to constant wars and alliances between Aryas and non-Aryas, class and division arose in the society. Aryans were always conscious of their fair complexion and tall stature. On the other hand, the non-Aryans were black and short. So caste was the first class division in Aryan society. The first mention of caste is found in the Purusha Sutra of the Tenth Mandala of the Rig Veda.
However, on the basis of work and profession, the entire Aryan society is divided into four classes - (1) Brahmins - people associated with learning and religious activities; (2) Kshatriyas - persons associated with warfare and governance; (3) Vaishya - persons engaged in production, animal husbandry and trade - and (4) Shudra - persons engaged in the above three classes of service. But in the period of Rikveda, occupational classification was created, but its mature form was not seen.
Chaturashram -
Chaturashrama is one of the characteristics of Aryan society . This system was prevalent in the first three classes of society. (1) The first stage of life was called Brahmacharyasrama. At this time everyone had to study from Gurugriha. (2) After completing the practice of scriptures in the gurugriha, one had to return to one's home to lead the "garhasthya ashram" or householder's life. The main point of this ashram was to marry and observe and participate in the family with wife and children. (3) The third stage was Banaprasthasrama. In old age, freed from family responsibilities, he had to build a hut in the forest and lead a carefree life. (4) The last stage was sannyasa or jati ashram. During this time life like a monk had to be lived.
Food , Fun and Festival -
Milk, ghee, fruits, wheat, barley etc. were the main food of Aryans. Meat during the festival and somers ( wine ) - a drink during worship - were the staples. Deer hunting, fishing, horse and chariot driving, dancing - etc. were the main joyous festivals. There were no strict restrictions on marriage, food and profession in Rig Veda.
Costume -
In the Aryan society, special attention was paid to clothing and ornaments. Three types of coverings were in vogue - (1) the Uttaria for the upper part of the body; (2) "Nibi" for the lower part ; (3) Wearing on Nibi.Clothes were made of cotton and precious animal skins.
Importance of donation or charity in Aryan society -
Romila Thapar writes about the importance of charity in the religious and social life of ancient India. From the Rig Veda it is known that this system became an alternative to the practice of barter. Kshatriyas used to seek the grace of God to fulfill their duties and give alms to Brahmins. Charity was of immense importance in the religious and spiritual life of the Aryans. However, land grants are not known in that way during the period of Rig Veda.
Changes in the social life during the later Vedic period
Degradation of women's status - Women's status is reduced to an unprecedented level. They are deprived of property and political rights. However, the door of education was open to them. The names of Maitreyi and Gargi are particularly prominent among women in this era.
Origins of Hinduism - Rules of society are defined according to Grihya Sutras and Dharma Sutras. The Grihya Sutras fully enunciate the precepts of the family and worldly life of the Hindus. The origin of the Hindu community centered on the Grihya Sutras was during this period.
Emergence of Civil and Criminal Law - Although the Dharmasutras were composed over ages, the tendency to structure social life on the basis of a certain ideal is seen in the Dharmasutras. Gradually a common civil and criminal law and social customs developed.
Rigidity of Caste - Caste was not strict during the Rik Vedic period. But in the later Vedic period, caste discrimination became rigid and birth-based. Society was completely divided into four castes. The Brahmins and Kshatriyas were innate in their professions. The occupations of the Vaishyas are agriculture and trade. The condition of Shudras is very poor. In the Aitareya Brahmana the Shudras are called "Yakakama Bhadya". Those who remained outside these four varnas were the innumerable non-varnas or panchamaganas. They were deprived of their social rights and called untouchables.
Advantages of conversion of Aryans into Aryan caste - It is true that even though the society was divided into four castes, there was no obstacle in the way of accepting the Aryans into the Aryan society. Regarding Samveda ( 'Bratya-Stoma-Sutra' ) there are specific rules for the acceptance of non-Aryans into the Aryan society.
Bratya and Nishad - Two Distinct Races - Apart from Chaturvarna, references to two distinct races named Bratya and Nishad are found in the later Vedic period. The language of the Bratyas was Prakrit and they led a nomadic life. Nishads lived permanently. They were known as "Architects" to the ruling class.
Changes in Education – Both religious and general education was prevalent during this period. Vedas, Upanishads, grammar, justice and law were taught. Medicine and astronomy were greatly advanced during this period.
Finally, it can be said that modern Indian civilization was born from Vedic civilization. Although the social features of the early Vedic period changed a lot in the later Vedic period, it was actually a process of social evolution. The biggest difference between these two periods is caste. While caste discrimination was not strict and widespread during the Rig Vedic period, it became widespread and strict in the later Vedic period, the effects of which persisted thousands of years later.
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