comparison women early vedic and later vedic
Answers
The vedic age was an important phase in the progress of Indian civilization and culture. Like all other civilizations it has evolved from a simple system of a complex society. To shed light on the society there are four main Vedas available which are basically religious texts and also comments on various aspects of society such as political, economic and more.
The early vedic period was from 1500 - 1000 BCE and consists primarily of the samhita of the Rig veda. During this period the society was at a primitive stage. People were agro-pastoral and gatherers and a man's wealth was measured by the number of cows he had. There were no fixed varnas and people could practise any profession they like.
Later Vedic period as the society became more complex due to transition to complete agragain community (during 1000 - 600 BCE); they produced samhitas of Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda and the Sama Veda. The texts produced were also complex in nature with rigid rites and rituals. The society was tightly knit together and rigid Varna system was laid and inter-mingling was not allowed.
Early vedic people had a tribal life and then gradually evolved to territorial state. The status of woman during vedic period is a complex matter and it is likely that reality might have been some thing different.
According to available vedic literature, in early vedic age woman enjoyed a position of respect and esteem and there was a gradual decline in the status of woman in later Vedic period.
During Rig Vedic period woman occupied the same position as man in intellectual and spiritual life. The literature mentions name of some woman like Vishwavara, Apala, Ghosha who composed hymns to attain the rank of rishi. Besides scholars there were also woman warriors. Girls were given freedom to choose their husband and were married only after attaining the age of maturity.
There was no seclusion or purdah system, woman moved freely and participated in the public feasts and festivals. There is no reference of sati (burning of widows) and practice niyoga (married to any of the brother of dead husband).
After all the rights bestowed upon woman it is important to note that woman did not have equal rights as man in social and legal aspects. They did not posses the right to hold property.
During after vedic period there was a gradual decline in the status of woman. Priests began to perform many of the religious ceremonies formerly done by wife. The participation of woman in assemblies and pubic gathering was also restricted.