Question

Discuss the salient features of the 'Vedic Civilization'.

Hint:

When answering questions about the Vedic Civilization, always clearly differentiate between the Early Vedic (Rigvedic) and Later Vedic periods. The changes in society, polity, economy, and religion between these two phases are the most crucial points to highlight.

Answer 1

The Vedic Civilization, which flourished in the northern Indian subcontinent between approximately 1500 BCE and 500 BCE, is named after the Vedas, the sacred texts that are the primary source of information for this period. Its features can be broadly divided into the Early Vedic (Rigvedic) Period and the Later Vedic Period.
Salient Features of the Early Vedic (Rigvedic) Period (c. 1500–1000 BCE):


Political Structure: The basic political unit was the \textit{kula} (family), headed by a \textit{kulapa}. Several families formed a \textit{grama} (village), and a group of villages formed a \textit{vis}. The highest political unit was the \textit{jana} (tribe). The tribal chief, the \textit{Rajan}, was primarily a military leader. His power was not absolute and was checked by popular assemblies like the \textit{Sabha} and \textit{Samiti}.
Social Life: The society was semi-nomadic and pastoral. Kinship was the basis of social structure. The society was patriarchal, with the \textit{grihapati} as the head of the family. Women enjoyed a respectable position; they could attend assemblies and compose hymns. There was no rigid caste system, and occupation was not based on birth.
Economy: The economy was predominantly pastoral and agrarian. Cattle were the main source of wealth, and wars were often fought for them (\textit{gavishti}). Agriculture was secondary, with barley (\textit{yava}) being the main crop. There was no concept of private land ownership. The barter system was prevalent.
Religion: The Rigvedic people worshipped nature gods. They personified natural forces into deities like Indra (god of thunder), Agni (god of fire), Varuna (god of water), and Surya (sun god). Religious practices involved the performance of yajnas (sacrifices) to please the gods. There were no temples or idol worship.
Salient Features of the Later Vedic Period (c. 1000–500 BCE):


Political Structure: The \textit{janas} started consolidating into larger kingdoms called \textit{janapadas}. The power of the \textit{Rajan} increased significantly, and kingship became hereditary. The king performed elaborate royal consecration ceremonies like the \textit{Ashvamedha} and \textit{Rajasuya} to assert his authority. The Sabha and Samiti lost their importance.
Social Life: Society became more complex and stratified. The \textit{Varna} system became rigid and based on birth, dividing society into four classes: Brahmanas (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (servers). The position of women declined; they were denied participation in assemblies and education. The concept of \textit{gotra} (lineage) emerged.
Economy: Agriculture became the primary occupation, aided by the use of iron tools for clearing forests and iron ploughs. Rice (\textit{vrihi}) and wheat became major crops. The concept of private property and land ownership emerged. Trade and commerce grew, leading to the beginnings of urbanization.
Religion: The nature gods of the Rigvedic period like Indra and Agni lost their prominence. New deities like Prajapati (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Rudra (the destroyer) became more important. The rituals and sacrifices became much more complex and elaborate, increasing the power and influence of the Brahmanas. The philosophical texts like the Upanishads, which critique rituals and emphasize knowledge (\textit{jnana}), were also composed during this phase.