Early Vedic Period: Economy, Society and Religion

The Early Vedic period was characterised by distinct economy, which depended on pastoralism and agriculture. It had a society which was divided into various strata according to birth. The early vedic society also had characteristic features of various religions and they carried out various rituals for different gods.

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Economy:

• Pastoralism and agriculture combined to maintain the Vedic economy
• The Rigveda mentions field levelling, seed preparation, and grain storage in big jars
• War loot was also a significant source of income. Gift giving, notably to monarchs (bali) and priests (dana), and barter utilising cattle as a unit of money were used to conduct economic trades

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Agriculture

• Private land ownership was not yet established
• Wheat and barley were the main crops, while rice/paddy production was only in its early stages
• However, the cultivation of this stage was only of subsistence-type

Pastoralism

• Animals were reared for wool, milk, agriculture, leather and drawing chariots. Aryans’ staple diet consisted mainly of milk products
• Their entire culture revolved around cattle as a source of wealth. As a result, the family unit was dubbed as ‘Gotra’ (literally means cattle pen)
• The return of cattle from pastures was thought to be a lucky time. As a result, ceremonies known as ‘Goraja Muhurta’ were held
• The wars were mostly fought for the purpose of cattle-lifting or cattle-lifting defence
• As a result, the term for war became ‘Gavishti.’ Cattle’s ears were cut in a particular way to distinguish them. They had special pasture land that belonged to the community

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Trade

• Trade is usually carried under barter- system
• Bullock-carts and pack-bulls were used, and boats were also used as well
• People who worked in trade were known as ‘Pani’. Clothes and leathers were the most common objects traded
• The unit of exchange was cattle, but there is mention of nascent currency such as Nishka. Fishing was also a part of the occupation

Education

• The rulers sponsored the classes, which were held at the teachers’ homes
• Both boys and girls were allowed to join classes
• In such Gurukulas, students received both vocational and moral value education
• There was no record of writing, but the information was passed down by the generations through oral tradition

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Society

• The Vedic family was patriarchal and joint, with the eldest person (Grihapati) serving as the family’s head. Society was largely egalitarian
• Varna was the term for colour. The indigenous people conquered by Aryans were called Dasas and Dasyus
• Differentiation based on occupation existed. Vedic people wore clothes made from cotton, wool, and animal hide. The clothes were called ‘Nivi’, ‘Vasam’, ‘Adhirasam’, ‘Drapi’ etc

Culture

• Since the early Vedic people practised pastoralism, their main diet consisted primarily of milk and meat
• They also ate a variety of foods, such as barley, oilseed, vegetables, wheat, and fruits
• Non-vegetarian feasts were traditionally held during weddings, celebrations, and marriages
• They even drank intoxicating liquids on a regular basis
• However, such intoxication is condemned in Vedic literature
• In general, Vedic people were entertained by animal races and battles
• They went hunting for fun as well, and they enjoyed music. There are references to various musical instruments made of animal skin, such as string instruments and percussion instruments
• They also enjoyed group dancing. During the festival season, both men and women took part in a common dance, and gambling was a popular pastime
• Women and men, in general, were fond of different styles of ornaments

Conclusion

To know well about the features of the Early vedic society, it is essential to learn about their culture and economy. The varna system was one of the distinct features of the early vedic society which still has its different from existing in the Indian society.