Economic condition of Vedic and Later Vedic Period.
Economic condition of Vedic and Later Vedic Period.
Review the economic status of the Vedic Aryans.
Compare broadly the economic condition of the Early Vedic Aryans with that of the later Vedic Age.
Economic condition of Rig Vedic period:-
At the beginning of the Vedic period, nomadic Aryans settled in India. Initially animal husbandry was their main livelihood. There is a reference to the word "cow" in ancient linguistics. It means to search for cows. After that, when they start living permanently, their profession changes. They gradually turned from pastoralists to agriculturists. From various sources it is known that the agricultural system of that time was advanced and its main component was cows. Along with the expansion of agriculture, trade also expanded. The merchant class arose out of the landowners. Again in the later Vedic period agriculture reached a very modern stage. Iron is more common in agriculture of this era. During this period internal trade flourished and industrialization developed.
Changing Economy : Pastoralist to Agricultural :-
At the beginning of the Vedic period, the products produced by cattle were the main means of subsistence. Cows were of such high value in the economic life of the Aryans in the early stages that the tendency of cow abduction was strong among them and there were conflicts between different groups based on it. As the Aryans settled down, their occupations changed. They gradually turned from pastoralists to agriculturists. When the use of iron started, it was helpful for agriculture. During the period of Rig Veda, Arya society changed from a pastoral society to an agricultural society.
Origin of rural economy:-
Aryan civilization culminated in rural civilization during the Rig Vedic period. As a result, the village took place as a major part of the economic life of the Aryans. Perhaps when the Aryans became agriculturists they adopted a self-sufficient rural system. Although the local rural economic system was introduced by the Aryans, it is undeniable that the importance of the village in the economic life of India remains unchanged even today.
Origin of private ownership; Mixed Economy - Agriculture and Animal Husbandry :-
As collective ownership of the means of production and social wealth prevailed, it was assumed that there was little chance of financial inequality in the society. But gradually the land came into the possession of different families in the village and the problems of private ownership and land disputes and inheritance arose. Each household had its own agricultural land. Again there was common land for all the villagers to graze. Thus, it can be seen that a mixed economy based on agriculture and animal husbandry emerged during that period.
Many believe that with the help of iron, water was purified and made suitable for agriculture. In fact, agriculture was the main livelihood of the people. In the Rig Veda there are mentions of tilling the land with plough, sowing seeds, harvesting - etc.
According to Dr. R.C. Roychoudhury, the main crops were rice and barley. But about paddy cultivation Dr R.C. Roychoudhury's views are not supported by many. Animal husbandry was the second major livelihood of the people of that era. The region on both banks of Yamuna river was famous for cattle. Wealth of people was determined by the possession of cows. Even soldiers preferred cattle as spoils of war. Horses were also important in economy and political life.
Other scholarships; currency; merchant community; use of iron; Vehicle :-
Sutradhar, metalsmith, tanner, tantabaya and potter are mentioned for the needs of agricultural society. Among the metals used were gold, copper and bronze. Although coin based economy was not prevalent in that era, there are mentions of coins called 'Niska' and 'Mana' in Vedic literature. Merchant communities are also mentioned in the Vedic period. Although the use of iron was unknown to the Vedic Aryans, the Rig Veda mentions a type of metal called 'Ayas' which later came to be known as iron. In the period of Rig Vedic transport, chariots, cow-shaktas and antrikshas or sky vehicles are also mentioned.
Trade: Inland and Maritime:-
Along with the expansion of agriculture, trade also started. As agriculture expanded in the eastern part of the Gangetic valley, the Ganges River became a facilitator of trade. A merchant class emerged when powerful landowners gravitated towards trade. Also, Aryans had maritime trade with Assyria, Babylon and some Asian countries. But commercial activity was confined to the coastline. In this context, the author of Cambridge History said - The Indus was the natural outlet to the sea , but in the Rig Veda there is no clear sign that they had yet reached the ocean.
According to Basam, regular traders and moneylenders do not exist in the Rig Vedic period. However, there is a mention of debt.
There is no evidence of a regular class of merchants or money lenders, although indebtedness is sometimes referred to. [ Basam ]
Economic conditions and economic changes in the later Vedic period:-
1. Changes in Agriculture - Cultivation improved during this period as compared to previous periods and knowledge of planting crops according to season was evident. By 1000 BC, agriculture was widespread in the Gangetic valley. Because, the humid climate and abundance of rainfall in the Gangetic valley were conducive to the development of a prosperous agricultural economy. During this period the Aryans began to cultivate paddy and other crops. Techniques for irrigating and fertilizing land were also discovered. Agriculture was the main livelihood during this period as well.
2. Advances in Trade :- After the Indus the Aryans of this era started trading with Mesopotamia and other West Asian countries. There is a reference to sea voyages on trade occasions in the book "Shatpatha Brahmana".
3. Expansion of Internal Trade – Trade routes extended through the regions of Rajgir, Gaya, Vaishali etc. in North, East India to Terai in Nepal. In the west the trade route extended to Srabanti, Mathura, Indraprastha and Taxila. Towards the Deccan this trade route extended to Paithan.
4. Advancement of Industry - The later Vedic period saw great advancement in the field of industry. During this period Trade Guilds were formed among the Vaishya classes. Goldsmiths, Manikars, Sutradhars, Ranjuks - etc. are mentioned as skilled artists. The Painted Gray Ware Culture came into being as a symbol of material progress during the period under discussion. In this, there is evidence of technical skills and craftsmanship.
5. Changes in the Use of Metals and Coins - Gold, copper and bronze were in vogue during the Rig Vedic period. The later Vedic period saw the introduction of tin, zinc, silver and iron. Coinage began to circulate towards the end of the sixth century BC. Persian influence can be seen on it. The coin called 'mana' was probably a gold coin.
Conclusion :-
The Rig Vedic economy was not at all developed. Trade movement was not easy due to lack of currency and barter was the only way. The exchange of cows was maximum. The use of coins called nisk and mana was limited. Communication system was also poor. But in the later Vedic period Indian economic thought emerged in a distinct form. In fact, it was during the later Vedic period that the economic life of later India began.
"The end of this shadowy age, the beginning of the great period of India's culture. ……………’’ [Basam]
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