THE EARLY VEDIC PERIOD
VEDIC LITERATURE
 Veda = knowledge - are a
‘treasure house of
knowledge’ and collective
wisdom of Aryans
 Chief historical source of
early Aryans – their religious
literature – ‘the Vedas’
 Four Vedas – Rig Veda,
Atharva Veda, Sama Veda,
Yajur Veda – composed
verbally for 100 years – orally
handed down generations –
after several centuries –
recorded in books.
 Rig Vedic period
VEDIC LITERATURE
 Other religious books – The
Brahamanas (explain Vedic texts,
rituals), the Upanishads
(mysteries of creation, essence of
life), the Puranas (simplify the
Vedas), epics – Ramayana and
Mahabharata
 Collectively – Vedic literature –
information about social,
religious, economic and political
life
POLITICAL ORGANIZATION
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Many tribes (janas) –
leaded by rajans
Each jana = many villages
(gramas)
Each grama = many
families – leader of each
grama was gramani
(village headman)
POLITICAL ORGANIZATION
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Rajan – ablest and strongest – elected by people
– kept enemies away – spiritual leader – ruled
according to the wishes of the tribe – assisted
by many officials like purohita (performed
religious ceremonies, advisor) and senani
(commander – in – chief – leaded forces during
war)
rajan – no absolute power – people had a say
sabha – small assembly – important members of
tribe – advised and guided the King
samiti – large assembly – opinion on important
matters given by any member
Women – took part
SOCIAL LIFE
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each village = many joint families
 Head of the family – grihapati (eldest living male member)
– decision final
 women – important in society
 monogamy – only one wife
 women given education
 women scholars (Gargi, Maitreyi) composed Rig Vedic
hymns
 wife important in religious ceremonies
 women chose husbands – swayamwara
 no child marriage
 widows allowed to remarry
SOCIAL LIFE
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simple, nutritious food
wheat, barley, maize, vegetables, fruits, milk,
milk products
fond of honey and intoxicating drinks – soma
and sura
meat eaten occasionally
dressed in two garments – unstitched piece
of cloth (like a dhoti – lower garment) tied
around the waist + light shawl (upper
garment) + turban – like headgear +
ornaments of gold, silver, precious stones
Recreation
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Outdoor activities – chariot racing, hunting
Enjoyed music and dance
Indoor activities – dice, gambling
Religion
ONE SUPREME POWER = GOD
Forces of nature – yagnas
No temples, idols
Indra (rain)
Agni (fire)
Surya (sun)
Varuna (water)
Vayu (wind)
Soma (plants)
Prithvi (Earth)
Usha (dawn)
Yama (death)
Class / Varna System
BRAHMANAS
education,
religion
Class conversion
allowed
KSHATRIYAS
protect tribe
VAISHYAS
provide goods and food
SHUDRAS
menial work
serve other classes
Economic Life
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pastoral life
cow – mark of wealth
agriculture – farmers had knowledge of seasons
artisans, craftspeople, chariot makers, weavers,
leather – workers, potters, metal workers
self sufficient tribe