What is Vedic period?
After the decline of the Indus civilization, we get complete information about the new culture that came to light from the Vedas. That is why we know this period as 'Vedic period' or Vedic civilization.
Vedic period is divided into two parts.
- Rigvedic period
- Later Vedic Period
Rigvedic period
Rigvedic period – Last 15 BC 1000 BC It is assumed. Central Asia is believed to be the original abode of Aryans in its temple. Aryans in India first settled in the region of Sapta Sindhu.
Rigvedic period Arya is divided into many small tribes. The word Jana has been used for all in Rigvedic literature. The chieftain of the clan was called Rajan, who is the ruler. The smallest political unit was the kul or family, with many clans forming a village, headed by a villager. Many villages together were Vish, whose head was Vishwapati and many Vish together were Jana, whose head was the king.
Jana is mentioned 275 times in Rigvedic and world is mentioned 170 times. The Sabha Committee was an electro-political body. The family was patriarchal. The Varna system in the society was based on Karma.
In the Purusha Sukta of the tenth mandala of Rigveda, there are mentions of four varnas:- brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, shudras.
religious movement
The position of women in the society was good. At this time, widow marriage, niyoga system and remarriage were prevalent in the society, but purdah system, child marriage system, sati system was not prevalent.
The greatest importance among the gods of the Rigvedic call was given to Indra and then to Agni Varuna. Rigveda Indra has been said to be Purandar i.e. the destroyer of the fort. There are 250 hymns for him in Rigveda.
post vedic period
The main features of the political organization of the later Vedic period were the establishment of large states and janapadas. The principle of goddess origin is first mentioned in the Aitareya Brahmana. The importance of the king increased during this period. His position became hereditary.
In the later Vedic period, families were patriarchal. The system of joint family existed. The society was clearly divided into four varnas, Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Varna system was based on caste rather than karma. The condition of women was not good. They did not have monetary and political rights of any kind.
In the Jabalopanishad, the description of four Ashrams, Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanprastha and Sannyasa is found. Complexity came in religious and sacrificial rituals.
The most prominent deities in this period were Prajapati (Brahma), Vishnu and Indra (Shiva).
The first evidence of the use of iron dates back to 1000 BC. Found from Antarjikheda (Uttar Pradesh) of Uttar Pradesh.