{"id":10926,"date":"2023-09-27T06:51:59","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T06:51:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=10926"},"modified":"2024-01-20T09:15:30","modified_gmt":"2024-01-20T09:15:30","slug":"vedic-age-ancient-history-notes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/","title":{"rendered":"Vedic Age &#8211; UPSC Ancient History Notes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-history?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=History\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/13.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/13.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/13-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/13-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After exploring the Indus Valley Civilization, we will now delve into the Vedic Period. While not as important as the previous topic from the UPSC&#8217;s perspective, it is still a significant period in Indian history. Our approach here will be to provide a general understanding of the Vedic Age, with a focus on key terms and concepts. To make it more engaging, we will use diagrams, maps, and tables wherever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e78a5791b08\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e78a5791b08\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#What_is_the_Vedic_Age\" title=\"What is the Vedic Age?\">What is the Vedic Age?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#How_did_the_Aryans_come_to_India\" title=\"How did the Aryans come to India?\">How did the Aryans come to India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#Geography_of_the_Vedic_Age\" title=\"Geography of the Vedic Age\">Geography of the Vedic Age<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#Political_Structure_of_the_Vedic_Age\" title=\"Political Structure of the Vedic Age\">Political Structure of the Vedic Age<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#Society_of_Vedic_Period\" title=\"Society of Vedic Period\">Society of Vedic Period<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#The_Economy_of_the_Vedic_Period\" title=\"The Economy of the Vedic Period\">The Economy of the Vedic Period<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#The_Religion_of_the_Vedic_Period\" title=\"The Religion of the Vedic Period\">The Religion of the Vedic Period<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#Important_Terms_Used_in_the_Vedic_Period\" title=\"Important Terms Used in the Vedic Period\">Important Terms Used in the Vedic Period<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs:\">FAQs:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#Q1_What_was_the_education_system_like_during_the_Vedic_Age\" title=\"Q1: What was the education system like during the Vedic Age?\">Q1: What was the education system like during the Vedic Age?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#Q2_Were_there_formal_schools_during_the_Vedic_Age\" title=\"Q2: Were there formal schools during the Vedic Age?\">Q2: Were there formal schools during the Vedic Age?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#Q3_What_is_the_difference_between_the_Early_Vedic_Age_and_the_Later_Vedic_Age\" title=\"Q3: What is the difference between the Early Vedic Age and the Later Vedic Age?\">Q3: What is the difference between the Early Vedic Age and the Later Vedic Age?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#Q4_How_did_society_change_between_the_Early_and_Later_Vedic_Ages\" title=\"Q4: How did society change between the Early and Later Vedic Ages?\">Q4: How did society change between the Early and Later Vedic Ages?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#Q5_What_was_the_social_structure_like_during_the_Vedic_Age\" title=\"Q5. What was the social structure like during the Vedic Age?\">Q5. What was the social structure like during the Vedic Age?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#Q6_Were_there_any_restrictions_or_mobility_within_the_Vedic_social_classes\" title=\"Q6: Were there any restrictions or mobility within the Vedic social classes?\">Q6: Were there any restrictions or mobility within the Vedic social classes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#Q7_Is_there_a_map_that_shows_the_geographical_extent_of_the_Vedic_Age\" title=\"Q7: Is there a map that shows the geographical extent of the Vedic Age?\">Q7: Is there a map that shows the geographical extent of the Vedic Age?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/vedic-age-ancient-history-notes\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211; here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211; here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Vedic_Age\"><\/span><strong>What is the Vedic Age?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The period between 1500 to 600 BCE is referred to as the Vedic Age. It is based on the primary source of the Vedic texts, composed by the Indo-Aryans, who spoke the Indo-European language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_did_the_Aryans_come_to_India\"><\/span><strong>How did the Aryans come to India?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>There are different theories on the arrival of Aryans in India, such as:<\/li><li>The Aryan Migration Theory suggests that the Indo-Aryans migrated to India from Central Asia and Eastern Europe.<\/li><li>The Indigenous Theory suggests that the Aryans were already present in India and were not foreign invaders.<\/li><li>The Hybrid Theory proposes that the Aryans were a mixture of indigenous people and migrants.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name of the Theory<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>The postulate of the Theory<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Proposed or Supported by<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Aryan Migration Theory<\/strong><\/td><td>Indo-Aryans migrated in a <strong>series of immigration <\/strong>from different regions.<br>Evidence shows migration from Andronovo Culture (South Siberia) to the <strong>north of Hindu Kush<\/strong> and from there to India.<br>Evidence of <strong>horses, fire cults, spoked wheels, and cremation<\/strong> support this view.<\/td><td>It is the <strong>most accepted and dominant<\/strong> theory till now.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Central Asian Theory<\/strong><\/td><td>Aryans migrated from <strong>Central Asia and the Eurasian Steppe.<\/strong><br>The similarity between <strong>Vedic words<\/strong> and concepts with that of <strong>Avesta<\/strong> (Iranian Text).<br>A recent study <strong>\u2018The Genomic Formation of South and Central Asia\u2019<\/strong> (2018) of the <strong>Y chromosome<\/strong> supports this view.<\/td><td><strong>Max Muller<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>European Theory<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Europe<\/strong> is the <strong>homeland <\/strong>of Aryans. <br>Based on the <strong>comparative linguistic study<\/strong> of Greek, Latin, German, and Sanskrit e.g. Sanskrit words <strong>\u2018Pitri\u2019 and \u2018Matri\u2019<\/strong> are similar to the Latin <strong>\u2018Pater\u2019 and \u2018Mater\u2019<\/strong>.<\/td><td><strong>Sir William Jones (1786)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Indian Theory<\/strong><\/td><td>Aryans were <strong>indigenous<\/strong> to the subcontinent.<br>The <strong>sacrificial rituals,<\/strong> and the <strong>geographical data, <\/strong>found from Rig Veda point to the Indian origin of Vedic Aryans.<br><strong>DNA analysis<\/strong> of Women Skelton found at <strong>Rakhigarhi <\/strong>refutes the <strong>Aryan migration theory<\/strong>.<\/td><td>Dr. Sampurnanand and A.C Das; Ganganath Jha and others<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Arctic Region Theory<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Northern Arctic<\/strong> is the homeland for Aryans as Vedas speak of <strong>6 months of long days and long night<\/strong>.<\/td><td><strong>Bal Gangadhar Tilak<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tibet Theory<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Tibet<\/strong> is the original home of Aryans.<\/td><td><strong>Swami Dayananda Saraswati<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/fWl8N9qZnJp7zG-hrPzQKdAi5BgEiDxkcUkh7BnL8kskFT18xkWxwsRYyee5w2oKidyYIch6f_JQSdT6P7lgxnYcoWP4_ZF8cqz7XJr2PATBOV7C8H71tpxeCccl7jSIXlLm-04AGS_Jd1vj\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>For sake of Study, the Vedic Age has been divided into Rig Vedic (or Early Vedic Period between 1500 to 1000 BCE) and Later Vedic Period (1000-600 BCE).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Geography_of_the_Vedic_Age\"><\/span><strong>Geography of the Vedic Age<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Features<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Early Vedic Period<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Later Vedic Period<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Location<\/strong><\/td><td>Early Aryans were based in and around the <strong>Indus and its tributaries (Western India)<\/strong>.<br>They called it <strong>Sapt-Sindavah<\/strong> (land of Seven Rivers).<br><strong>Saraswati <\/strong>(Ghaggar-Hakra Channel) was considered the <strong>holiest<\/strong> river.<\/td><td><strong>Later Aryans <\/strong>moved to <strong>eastern areas<\/strong> (up to&nbsp;Bengal) with the help of <strong>fire<\/strong> and <strong>Iron tools<\/strong>. <br>The core area was<strong> the Kuru-Panchala region <br>(Indo-Gangetic divide and the upper Ganga <br>Valley)<\/strong><br><strong>Story of Videga Madhava (in Satapatha Brahmana): <br><\/strong>Videga Madhava moved east of River Gandak with the help of the fire god <strong>Agni<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Reference to Sea<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>No reference<\/strong> to the Sea in Rig Veda (the term \u2018Samudra\u2019 meant the collection of water and not the sea).<\/td><td>Acquired knowledge<strong> of Eastern and Western Sea <\/strong>and&nbsp;also of<strong> Narmada and Vindhyan Mountains<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/IznBfbtIxCAzId6Coi4Hl4zz8aY8MgnKbcsg1tHb3sKgXVaZDVAKiNSs1a0ezsoTquuJDQ8QwSKidmQk1sfwxOY28KsZhTPa7KiuEz1Yr44iwNPRq0veL-xoaKg1LiG2duo-ej6pmgpXuZx5\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Political_Structure_of_the_Vedic_Age\"><\/span><strong>Political Structure of the Vedic Age<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Features<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Early Vedic Period<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Later Vedic Period<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Form of Government<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Monarchy<\/strong> but the office of the chief was <strong>not hereditary.<\/strong><br><strong>Chief (Rajan)<\/strong> was called <strong>Gopati or Gopa<\/strong> (Protector of cows).<br><strong>The battle <\/strong>was called <strong>Gavisthis or Gavenshana or Goshu but no standing army.<\/strong><br><strong>No doctrine of divinity<\/strong> is associated with the kingship.<br><strong>Important functionaries:<\/strong><br><strong>Purohit (priest)<\/strong><br><strong>Senani (leader of the army)<\/strong><br><strong>Gramini (leader of a village)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Kingship<\/strong> became <strong>hereditary<\/strong>.<br>King\u2019s <strong>power increased<\/strong> and they performed various <strong>sacrifices <\/strong>to enhance his position:<br><strong>Rajasuya (<\/strong> royal consecration and<br>king conferred supreme power ).<br><strong>Vajapeya<\/strong> (chariot race to win against<br>all kinsmen).<br><strong>Ashwamedha <\/strong>(control over the area in which the royal horse ran uninterrupted).<br>Kings still had<strong> no standing army<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Administrative units<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>It had a Patrilineal system.<\/strong><br><strong>Kula (Family) with the head as Kulapa -&gt; Vis or clan -&gt; Jana or tribe (largest social unit)<\/strong>.<\/td><td>Jana changed to <strong>Janapadas<\/strong> ( <strong>denoting territory<\/strong>) and further enlarged to Kingdoms like <strong>Mahajanapadas.<\/strong><br><strong>\u2018Rastra\u2019<\/strong> term appeared as <strong>wars were fought<\/strong> for <strong>territories<\/strong> now rather than <strong>cows<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tribal Assemblies<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Sabhas (exclusive body for elites).<\/strong><br><strong>Samiti ( broad-based folk assembly, presided by the Rajan).<\/strong><br><strong>Vidatha (Tribal assembly with diverse functions).<\/strong><br><strong>Gana (Assembly or troop)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Sabhas and Samitis<\/strong> diminished in importance.<br><strong>Vidhatha <\/strong>disappeared.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Society_of_Vedic_Period\"><\/span><strong>Society of Vedic Period<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Features<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Early Vedic Period<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Later Vedic Period<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Division<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>The division is based on Clan and not Caste lines.<\/strong><br>Even the <strong>Rajans and the Purohits<\/strong> were part of the clan network.<br><strong>The occupation was not based on Birth<\/strong>.<\/td><td><strong>Four-fold Division of Society<\/strong> based on Caste.<br><strong>Caste exogamy<\/strong> and <strong>rigid social hierarchy<\/strong> developed.<br>The increasing <strong>cult of scarifies<\/strong> added to the power of the Brahmanas.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Varna System<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Varna (color<\/strong>) was the basis of differentiation between Vedic and non-Vedic people (called \u2018dasyus\u2019 or \u2018dasas\u2019).<br>Rig Vedic society cannot be therefore called <strong>egalitarian society<\/strong> as social stratification was based on the <strong>division of labor and gender.<\/strong><br>Rig Vedic people were familiar with <strong>slavery<\/strong>.<\/td><td>The Varna system of social distinction became <strong>more distinct<\/strong>.<br>Varna&#8217;s system <strong>became based on birth and <\/strong>less on occupation.<br><strong>Varna-ashrama-dharma society: <\/strong>Showed<strong> four stages of life<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Social mobility<\/strong><\/td><td>People could <strong>change their professions<\/strong> and the absence of a strict <strong>social hierarchy<\/strong>.<\/td><td><strong>Restricted <\/strong>social mobility.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Position of Women<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Despite patriarchal society<\/strong>, women had<strong> important positions, <\/strong>were <strong>educated, and had access to the assembly.<\/strong><br>They had the <strong>choice to choose<\/strong> their<strong> husband. No incidence of Sati, or Purdah<\/strong>.<\/td><td>Their position in society:<br>In the family, women were confined to household <strong>chores and subordinate positions<\/strong>.<br>Women were <strong>not permitted<\/strong> to attend public assemblies like Sabhas and Samitis.<br>Instances of <strong>Sati and Purdah<\/strong>.<br>Despite these, there are a great examples of<strong> women scholars <\/strong>in this period such as<strong> Gargi, Maitreyi, and Katyayani<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Marriage<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Early Vedic people practised usually Monogamous marriage but Polygyny and Polyandry also existed.<\/strong><br><strong>Levirate<\/strong> (marrying the husband\u2019s younger brother on the death of husband) also existed.<br><strong>Niyoga marriage existed<\/strong>( it was a variant of <strong>widow remarriage<\/strong> in which childless widow was temporarily married to the husband\u2019s brother to produce children )<\/td><td><strong>Child marriages<\/strong> became common.<br><strong>Gotras<\/strong> were institutionalized. <br><strong>Marriage<\/strong> between persons of the <strong>same gotra<\/strong> was <strong>forbidden<\/strong>.<br>Mention of <strong>Chandrayana Penance <\/strong>for men marrying women of the same gotra.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-cse-gs-integrated-course?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Integrated\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42401 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/8-585x137.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/300;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/n0DOQ5xRWn_pUZAEOL01VeU6FyqhZg7Tio8h7lRvysO-i0OqJFdr0rZvl3dguoMdGOl5KfE5ETNjYnbvGcUKxLnatlz9Fdg3O-_ZKRKqrdhSHsYAQvcdW3Vv5SvLwJuqiMBYpr8axxNfEpOs\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Economy_of_the_Vedic_Period\"><\/span><strong>The Economy of the Vedic Period<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Features<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Early Vedic Period<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Later Vedic Period<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Economy<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Pastoral economy: Cattle rearing was the main occupation.<\/strong><br><strong>The measure of wealth was cattle and a <\/strong>wealthy man was called<strong> Gomat<\/strong>.<\/td><td><strong>Agricultural economy<\/strong>:<strong> <\/strong><br><strong>Agriculture has become the chief&nbsp;means of livelihood<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Trade and Commerce<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Meager <\/strong>evidence of Trade and commerce.<br><strong>No <\/strong>concept of<strong> private property.<\/strong><br><strong>Unite of currency was Nishka<\/strong>.<\/td><td>Although, the <strong>land <\/strong>was still <strong>communally owned<\/strong> <br>the <strong>private property<\/strong> began to be recognized and<br>the <strong>head of household (Grahpati)<\/strong> owned the land.<br><strong>The barter system<\/strong> was still prevalent but <strong>\u2018Niskha\u2019<\/strong> was used as a unit of value (not as typical currency).<br><strong>Shresthins<\/strong> (guild ) was the organization of merchants,<br>which became prominent.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Revenue System<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>No regular revenue system.<\/strong><br><strong>Voluntary tribute (Bali) and bounty won <\/strong>in a battle were the sources of income.<br>Prestations: Gifts exchanged on a group level were important for the economy of Rig Vedic society e.g. exchange of courtesies, weapons, cattle, etc.<\/td><td><strong>Collection of taxes and tribute<\/strong> was made<br><strong>mandatory<\/strong> and was done by Sangrihitri.<br>Vaishyas were the only tribute-paying community in later Vedic times.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Crafts<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Chariot-making, Carpentry, Tanning, etc.<\/strong><br>They were familiar with <strong>copper<\/strong> but didn\u2019t use <strong>Iron.<\/strong><br><strong>It had Ochre Coloured Pottery<\/strong>.<\/td><td><strong>Started to use Iron<\/strong> (called <strong>Krishna Ayas\/ Shyama Ayas)<\/strong>.<br>They knew of <strong>Tin, lead, silver, gold, bronze, and Copper.<\/strong><br><strong>Later Vedic culture<\/strong> is also called <strong>PGW (Painted Grey ware) &#8211; Iron Phase culture<\/strong> as this type of pottery was used during this phase.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Agriculture<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Shifting type <\/strong>of agriculture.<br><strong>Barley (yava)<\/strong> was the main grain.<br><strong>Used wooden plough (Phala, langala and \u2018sira\u2019)<\/strong>.<\/td><td><strong>Settled agriculture <\/strong>had started and this led to the<br>beginning of<strong> Urbanism (\u2018Nagar\u2019 mentioned in <br>Taittiriya Aranyaka).<\/strong><br><strong>Mixed farming (cultivation along with herding) <br><\/strong>was one of the prime occupations.<br><strong>Rice (Vrihi) and Wheat (Godhuma) was the staple diet<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/R4ljkoaCPugu-IfEtNxLtj8kS62_3Ei2aQj5vVoUBxZQ-8tlp65rAfUqcKa3ZFvwF15FU4LCA2O9W7EwPOFIld8XdKm83ZfS3HHMi_gxhDpldr0Q0lmHZd9RwGtUq5SFB_fBK4vBsS43MFpc\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Religion_of_the_Vedic_Period\"><\/span><strong>The Religion of the Vedic Period<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Features<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Early Vedic Period<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Later Vedic Period<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Nature of Worship<\/strong><\/td><td>There was no temple or idol worship.<br>They practiced primitive animism (worshipped forces of nature such as wind, rain, water, etc.).<\/td><td><strong>Idolatry<\/strong> became prominent.<br><strong>Sacrifices<\/strong> became more <strong>elaborate<\/strong> and <strong>important.<\/strong><br><strong>Brahmans <\/strong>gained in importance and they maintained their <strong>supremacy<\/strong>.<br>They performed <strong>yajnas<\/strong> such as <strong>Ashvamedha, Vajapeya<\/strong>, etc. to establish their authority over<br>the chiefs and their territory<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Male Gods<\/strong><\/td><td>Indra (most important): God of thunder\/rain.<br>Agni: God of fire.<br>Varuna: God of water.<br>Soma: God of plants.<br>Yama: God of death.<br>Pushan: God of jungle paths, herdsmen, and cattle.<br>Vishnu: Benevolent god.<br>Marutas: god of storm.<br>Ashvins: twin god of war and fertility.<\/td><td>Indra and Agni lost importance and Prajapati<br>(god of creation) emerged supreme.<br>Vishnu, Rudra (previously a minor god) became<br>prominent.<br>Division in the class of deities appeared<br>e.g. Pushan (god of cattle) became the god of Shudras.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Female God<\/strong><\/td><td>Savitri: Solar deity.<br>Aditi: Goddess of eternity.<br>Prithvi: Earth Goddess.<br>Nirrti: Goddess of death.<br>Usha: Goddess of dawn.<\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The religion of Vedic Period \" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/R3fRAzdinQV2UhA4VOk5LXG4rv_7U1HJ2I91KUQIyR_26dARrr3k1XED8qXD4vbJCFrsak-d0DsX7F2WpD0sofidRkeLIGtwjFE2P4zh5vnsObOV6LYs6pxQnpsFAd4z4FpaUZXLBcFvyHpQ\" width=\"624\" height=\"433\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 624px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 624\/433;\"><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Demi-gods<\/strong><\/td><td>Gandharvas (divine musicians).<br>Apsaras (Mistress of God).<br>Vishwadevas (Intermediate Deities).<br>Aryaman (Guardian of compacts and marriages).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_Terms_Used_in_the_Vedic_Period\"><\/span><strong>Important Terms Used<\/strong> in the <strong>Vedic Period<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Terms used in the Rig Vedic age<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Meaning<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Terms<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Sources<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Godhuli<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Time<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Samsara ( transmigration of Soul)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Brahadarankya Upanishad<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Gavyuti<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Distance<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Four ashrams<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Jabala Upanishad<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Gotra<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Kinship<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Satyamev Jayate<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Mandukya Upanishad<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Gana<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Lineage<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Fou-rfold Varna system<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Rig Veda (10<\/strong><strong><sup>th<\/sup><\/strong><strong> Mandala)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Grama<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Village<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Trimurti God<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Maitrayani Upanishad<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Gauri<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Buffalo<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Origin of Universe<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Rig Veda (10<\/strong><strong><sup>th<\/sup><\/strong><strong> Mandala)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Gojit<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Winner of Cow or a Hero<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Sabha and Samiti as twin daughters of Prajapati<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Atharva Veda<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Goghna<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Guest fed on cattle<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688 lazyload\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 781px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 781\/182;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q1_What_was_the_education_system_like_during_the_Vedic_Age\"><\/span><strong>Q1:<\/strong> What was the education system like during the Vedic Age? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> During the Vedic Age, education was primarily oral and centered around the transmission of knowledge through recitation and memorization of sacred texts known as the Vedas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q2_Were_there_formal_schools_during_the_Vedic_Age\"><\/span><strong>Q2:<\/strong> Were there formal schools during the Vedic Age? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> No, formal schools as we know them today did not exist in the Vedic Age. Education was typically imparted within the family or by gurus (teachers) in a guru-shishya (teacher-student) tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q3_What_is_the_difference_between_the_Early_Vedic_Age_and_the_Later_Vedic_Age\"><\/span>Q3: What is the difference between the Early Vedic Age and the Later Vedic Age? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> The Early Vedic Age (1500 BCE &#8211; 1000 BCE) is associated with the composition of the Rigveda, while the Later Vedic Age (1000 BCE &#8211; 600 BCE) saw the composition of the other Vedas and a shift from a pastoral economy to an agrarian one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q4_How_did_society_change_between_the_Early_and_Later_Vedic_Ages\"><\/span><strong>Q4:<\/strong> How did society change between the Early and Later Vedic Ages? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> During the Early Vedic Age, society was largely pastoral and tribal, whereas the Later Vedic Age saw the emergence of settled agricultural communities and the development of kingdoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q5_What_was_the_social_structure_like_during_the_Vedic_Age\"><\/span>Q5. What was the social structure like during the Vedic Age? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> Vedic society was divided into four main varnas or social classes: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers and servants).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q6_Were_there_any_restrictions_or_mobility_within_the_Vedic_social_classes\"><\/span><strong>Q6:<\/strong> Were there any restrictions or mobility within the Vedic social classes? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> Social mobility was limited during the Vedic Age. People were born into their varnas, and there were rules and duties associated with each varna. However, there was some flexibility over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q7_Is_there_a_map_that_shows_the_geographical_extent_of_the_Vedic_Age\"><\/span>Q7: Is there a map that shows the geographical extent of the Vedic Age? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> There are maps available that depict the geographical region where the Vedic civilization thrived. These maps often show the Indo-Gangetic plain in ancient India.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources, <a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>1. Learn through Videos &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vOD8sU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Q9z2nF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li>\n<li>3. Daily Newsletter &#8211; Get all your Current Affairs Covered &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3bE2y5J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li>\n<li>4. Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The period between 1500 to 600 BCE is referred to as the Vedic Age. It is based on the primary source of the Vedic texts, composed by the Indo-Aryans, who spoke the Indo-European language.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":10928,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[285],"tags":[286,186,232,213,140,1183],"class_list":["post-10926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ancient-history-general-studies","tag-ancient-history-notes","tag-general-studies-1","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-notes","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy","tag-vedic-age"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10926"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22853,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10926\/revisions\/22853"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10928"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}