Extent & Spread of Early and Later Vedic Period
Divisions of Vedic Period
The information about the Aryans was mainly obtained from Vedas especially the Rigveda. They were originally semi-nomadic and pastoral and after reaching India, gradually they became agriculturists and began to settle down in one place. The core area where they settled down was called Sapta-Sindhava or the land of seven rivers.
The Vedic period can be categorized into 2:
- Early Vedic period
- Later Vedic period
Difference in Early & Later Vedic Age
| Sub-feature | Early Vedic period | Later Vedic period |
| Family | – Family, also known as kula, was the basic unit of the society. – It had a patriarchal structure & followed the joint family system involving several generations living under the same roof. – The head of the family was known as the kulapa. – Only sons had the right to inherit father’s property. |
– Patriarchal families – Birth of a daughter was often considered a source of misery – Head of the family had the right to disinherit his son – Male ancestors were worshiped. |
| Social groups |
– The Rig-Veda talks about Dasas, Dasyus, Nahusas and Panis – The Rig-Veda gives an impression that Dasa was a collection of tribes – The Dasas, described as dark & of hostile speech, were rich in cattle & lived in fortified strongholds. – The Panis were also wealthy in cattle treasures. – The Dasyus were said to be tamed & subdued to people for the Arya i.e., Dasyus were different from Aryans and the aboriginal people in India. |
Varna system became prominent. |
| Marriage | – Monogamous – Marriageable age for girls was 16 or 17 years – No evidence of child marriage – Women had the right to choose their life partner – Swayamvar – Widow Remarriage was common |
– Polygamy prevailed – Marriage from same gotra (descent from common ancestor) was no longer permitted – Widow Remarriage discouraged though not stopped completely |
| Education | – Gurukuls existed where students stayed with guru or the teacher at his house – Subjects taught included science, maths, astronomy, astrology, grammar, ethics & law. |
Education of women of the higher class was restricted |
| Position of women |
– Liberal towards women – Women enjoyed a status equal to men – Women could attend assemblies. |
– Women given a lower, subordinate position. – They were not allowed to participate in assemblies. |
| Social Division |
– Though there was a division into Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisya & Sudra, this was purely based on occupation – Professions were not hereditary. |
– Rigid caste system – Varna system. The Brahmans & Kshatriyas enjoyed many privileges. – The Vaishyas were indulged in trade & agriculture – Sudras were meant to serve the other 3 classes. |
