Social Structure in Early Vedic Period

The Early Vedic period is the earliest civilisation recorded in Indian History. The history of the Vedic period is based only on Vedic texts. Rigveda was composed in 1500 BCE. It is the chief source of information about the Early Vedic Period. The social structure of the early Vedic Period is mainly about the social stratification, the high position of women, and the existence of patriarchal families. The Early Vedic Period is considered to be the glorious period for women in history.

Family

The Aryans lived in villages, and each village was called ‘grama.’ The village consisted of many families. Society was patriarchal. Each family was known as a ‘Kul.’ The ‘Kul’ was the basic social unit. Any man’s identity was associated with the ‘Kul’ to which he belonged. The eldest male member of the family was considered the head, and he made all the decisions that others had to accept. The head of the family was called Grihapati.

As the society was patriarchal, the birth of a son was always desired. Prayers were held for the birth of brave sons. 

Guests were treated with utmost respect and affection. They were called Atithi. Service to Atithi was ranked as a religious duty.

Social stratification

The Early Vedic period had social stratification based on their varnas or castes. The ‘Varna System’ was an important feature of the Vedic society. There were four varnas – Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. This social stratification was based on the occupations of the people and not on birth.

• The teachers, scholars, or learned men were called Brahmanas, who also conducted religious ceremonies. They were peace-loving, righteous, knowledgeable, and intellectual. They were the keepers of wisdom. They were given the highest position of respect.
• Kshatriyas were rulers, administrators, and warriors. Their duty was to protect the country. They were the heroes of society.
• Vaishyas were farmers, merchants, shopkeepers, and traders.
• Shudras were the group that served all the other three classes. They performed daily life duties. They were artisans, gardeners, cleaners, and labourers who provided service and entertainment to society.

During the early Vedic period, the social stratification was flexible, and no restrictions were placed on occupations. The skills, knowledge, and contribution of an individual to society were used to decide the caste of that person, not the family in which he was born. But towards the end of the later Vedic period, the occupation became hereditary, and people from the same occupation formed a particular Verna.

Status of Women

Women were given a high status in society. They were educated. Women attended Sabhas (assemblies) and actively participated in debates. They also composed hymns. Gargi and Maitreyi were two highly educated women who lived during this time. They were considered persons of intelligence due to their learning in that era.

Women were respected and treated at par with men. The wife and the husband took part in all religious and social ceremonies as partners. Women were considered as Ardhangini and Sahadharmini. Ardhangini means better half. Sahadharmini means equal partner.

The daughters were always accepted, though there was a preference for sons. Women were never forced to marry someone. Girls had the freedom to choose their husbands through the system of ‘Swayamvara.’ Both daughters and sons would inherit the father’s property.

Women of the early Vedic period were economically independent. They earned money from teaching, spinning, and weaving clothes.

Sati and purdah systems did not exist. Child marriage was also not practised. There existed a marriageable age, that was 16 to 17. The system of widow remarriage was accepted.

Institution of Marriage

The institution of marriage was established very well in the Early Vedic Period. Marriage was considered a sacred ritual. Marriages were generally monogamous, and only rich and ruling families went for polygamy. Polygyny, as well as polyandry, was also allowed. Polygyny is a form of marriage in which a man has more than one wife, while polyandry is a form of marriage in which a woman has more than one husband.

Inter varna marriages were also known. Anuloma Vivah and Pratiloma Vivah were the inter varna marriages. In Anuloma Vivah, a higher Varna man marries a lower Varna girl. While, in Pratiloma Vivah, a lower Varna man marries a higher varna girl. Anuloma Vivah was allowed, while Pratiloma Vivah was restricted in the texts.

Levirate and widow remar­riages were also practised. As per levirate marriage, a man was obliged to marry his brother’s wife after the death of his brother.

Conclusion

In the early Vedic period, women were given their due respect and their role in society was acknowledged. The Early Vedic period describes the creation of the four varnas based on an individual’s contribution to society. The social stratification was hierarchical. The social stratification, which was based on the contribution of an individual, became hereditary and rigid. Slowly, the social stratification became very rigid and discriminatory.