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The Vedic period began between the end of the Indus Valley Civilisation and the writing of the Vedas in the northern Indian subcontinent. The people who developed Vedic culture were known as Aryans. The Vedic period saw the emergence of a hierarchy of social classes and a change in political life of the Vedic period. The Vedas provide aspects of life during this time period that have served as the main sources for comprehending the Vedic period. The Vedas were remembered verbally, but by the end of the Bronze Age, the Vedas had been written down in manuscripts.
The Vedic Period
Vedic age is divided into two parts:- Early Vedic age (1500 BC- 1000 BC).
- Later Vedic Age (1000 BC-600 BC).
The Political Life of the early Vedic Period
The political life of the Early Vedic period was essentially a tribal polity, with the tribal head at its centre. Jana was the name of the tribe, while Rajana was the name of the tribal chief. With the support of other tribal members and two tribal assemblies, Sabha and Samiti, Rajana managed the tribe’s affairs. The Sabha was made up of the tribe’s elders, whilst the Samiti was responsible for policy decisions and political business. Women were authorised to participate in Sabha and Vidhata proceedings. The two types of Purohita, Vasishtha, and Vishwamitra aided the King in day-to-day administration. Because there was no such thing as a Kingdom, the King did not have a regular army. In reality, the Rig Vedic King ruled over a tribe rather than a monarchy.Let us know about the political life of the later Vedic age:
Political Organisation:
Janapadas merged to become Mahajanapadas, which were larger kingdoms. Kings, who possessed greater power, began executing numerous rites and sacrifices (horse sacrifice, for example) in order to strengthen their positions. Many titles were bestowed upon kings, including Samrat, rajavisajanan, and others. During the rig Vedic period, bodies such as Sabha and Samiti perished.Caste System:
During the political life of the later Vedic age, the caste system was established. Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras were the four varnas of society. Brahmins and Kshatriyas were given higher status than the Shudras, who were forced to serve them.Economic Situation:
Forests were being removed, and areas were being cultivated at an increasing rate. Leatherwork, metalwork, and other industrial operations became specialised. Internal and external trade became more extensive as well. Vaishyas were interested in trade and commerce. Coins were used as a medium of exchange.Religious Belief:
Worshipping nature has lost its significance. It became important to worship the creator, protector, and destroyer. Prayer’s importance waned, and sacrifices and ceremonies took their place. The priesthood became a hereditary profession, and its regulations governed the sacrifices and ceremonies. The conclusion of this time saw a lot of opposition to priestly dominance.Parsimonious Life:
According to all accounts, in the political life of the late Vedic period, the later Vedic Aryans developed the concept of a parsimonious perfect life because rituals and functions were not the only means of earning success in this world of bliss in paradise. As a result, the concepts of Tapas and Brahmacharya (chastity) developed, resulting in the same or significantly more important outcomes. Tapa connotes introspection, which is accompanied by bodily agony. A self-denying individual renounced common life and surrendered to isolation, practising all self-denying rehearses in the belief that they would gain heaven and produce “spiritualist, additional standard, and superhuman resources.” During the Epic period, religious austerity was widely practised.The Status of Women in the Vedic Period
- Women were treated with respect during the political life of the later Vedic period. There was no gender discrimination, and men and women were treated equally.
- Vedic society was a libertarian society. Females had the same level of freedom as their male counterparts. Boys and girls had equal access to education. They had unlimited independence in the family.
- Women were regarded as dominant in the home and had complete autonomy. The place of manufacturing was at home. Clothing spinning and weaving were done at home. Women also assisted their husbands in agricultural endeavours. On financial concerns, the husband used to consult his wife.
- Daughters who were not married had a share of their father’s property. In the absence of a boy, the daughter held complete legal rights to her father’s possessions. Mother’s estate was split evenly among her sons and unmarried daughters following her death.
- The woman was regarded as having an equal role in social and religious life.
