Social life of Vedic age discussed by Harsh Kumar
The Vedic age was flourished around the c. 1500 BC to c. 500 BC. in the Indian subcontinent. During the Vedic age, various new social elements got evolve many of which still followed by the people of modern age. The Rig Vedic Samhita throw light on the social life of the Vedic age. We will be going to discuss this in two parts, first for early Vedic age and then, for later Vedic age.
Also Read : Vedic Age – Origin and Political Life
The Social Life of Early Vedic Age
The peoples of early Vedic age were tribal in nature because peoples of this were living in small groups of tribes which have their own distinct social identities. The society was equalitarian in their outlook as peoples were not discriminated for their social status. The society was progressive in nature as there were no restrictions on the people in public and private spaces.
Social mobility was high as anyone in society can change their social status (Varna) by changing their profession. The family was the primary unit of social life as peoples were living in the joint families. The families were patriarchal in their nature. Most of the families were known as the Kulapa, which represented the socio-cultural matters of the Vedic age. The institution of marriage was well developed during the early Vedic age.
It was considered as sacrament as the divorce was not prevalent. Child marriage was absent and the system of Dowry was absent. The system of Monogamy was prevalent but polygamy was also known to the early Vedic age. Intervarna marriages prevalent as the both Anuloma (hypergamy) and Pratiloma (hypogamy) were practiced. Social stratification of the peoples was evolved during the early Vedic age because of the development of Varna system.
As per the texts, when the Aryans entered in country they distinguish between the people through the color of skin. The Aryans were white in color and non-white were known as the Dasas and Dasyus. The Dasas were the early Aryans who came to India before Vedic Aryans and Dasyus were the indigenous peoples of the Indian subcontinent. The Aryans were more hostile toward the Dasyus than Dasas.
During the long stay in India, three types of classes got develop among the Vedic Aryans. They were Brahman, Kshatriya and Vaishyas. Brahmans were involved in the teaching activities while Kshatriyas were martial class and Vaishyas were involved in the production and trading activities. The 4th Varna was founded it’s mention in the Prushashukta hymns of 10th Mandala of Rig Veda, which is the indication that Shudra as the 4th Varna yet to be established firmly. The system was so liberal that all type of Varna can be found in same family as the social stratification of the Varna system was not develop yet.
The status of Women
The status of women in early Vedic age was high. As they were almost all the privileges and rights as equal to the men. The birth of girl child was not desired but if they born treated with kindness and care. They took part in the political, economic and religious practices. They were part of the both Sabha and Samiti.
The works like spinning and weaving were specialized work of the women. Various rituals and ceremonies were incomplete without the participation of the women. They received education with the men and many of the women took education for their whole life, they came to known as Brahma Vadini. Women like Apalaghosa, Lopamudra and Vishwavara were so highly educated that they even composed the hymns of Rig Veda. The practices of veiling, dowry, child marriage, sati etc. were absent during this age.
Education System During the Early Vedic Age
The education system was highly developed during the Vedic age. The boys and girls were together got education. The script was unknown to them. So, the education was imparted orally. The education curriculum was divided as per the Varna specialization.
The practice of slavery was there as women were employed in houses of doing the household works.
Social life of Later Vedic Age
The tribal nature of society got demised to some extent because of increase in the population size that result in dilution of tribal identities. The nomadic life came to an end as sedimentary life commenced. The society was still liberal and progressive but these features were less dominating as compare to the early Vedic age. The social mobility was got reduce during this age as the change of Varna status was not appreciated.
Now a particular Varna attached to peoples from their birth according to the profession of their parents. The family was still the most important unit of society. The system of marriage was also same as before but the inter-Varna marriages were not appreciated during this age. The evidences of child marriage also founded.
Status of Women
The status of women was still high. They still enjoyed the status equal to the men but the evidences of inequality were also found. The birth of girl child was now considered as curse. Women were not allowed to participate in the Sabha and Samiti. They still played significant role in the ceremonies and rituals.
Education System of Later Vedic Age
The education system was still liberal in their outlook as boys and girls both were allowed to get education. The education system still following the curriculum as per the Varna system. The education was still imparted orally as they still unaware of the script.
The slavery was also prevalent in the later Vedic society as women were still working in the household of others.
Gotra System
The Gotra system was evolved during the later Vedic age. The first evidences of Gotra were founded from the Atharvaveda. The peoples of the same lineage and who shares the common descendent were considered of the same Gotra. This system was further evolved over the ages.
Ashrama System
The Ashrama system was first evolved during the later Vedic age. The first references of this system were found in the Chandogaya Upanishada. It mentioned the first three Ashrama only. The first reference of total four Ashrama was founded in the Jabala Upanishada. In Ashrama system the life span was considered of 1000 years and that life was divided into four Ashrama namely Brahamacharya Ashrama, Grishta Ashrama, Vanaprastha Ashrama and Sanyas Ashrama.
During Brahamacharya, peoples were used to indulge in the learning process or getting education. In Grishta Ashrama, people enjoyed the household life. After that they need to retire for the forest by signing off the household life this came under the Vanaprastha Ashrama. After that they need live a life of renunciation by breaking the bonds from the world, that is the Sanyas Ashrama.
Other Common Aspects of Early and Later Vedic Age
Clan and kinship ties enjoyed a great significance during the Vedic age. Blood relations were the most important relations among all relationships for an individual. The social relations were largely informal. Age was an important factor in deciding the social status of peoples as the elders were respected by everyone in the society.
Thus, the Vedic society was evolved over the years of c. 1500 BC to c. 500 BC and many of the social factors of Vedic age became the base of the Hindu religion. For example, the Varan system is still followed in the Indian society but in a very rigid and complex form which is the extreme form of social stratification.
Pingback: Vedic Age – Geography and Significance of Sacrifices