difference between early Vedic period and later Vedic period in the terms of caste system
Answers
The early Vedic period is marked by the infiltration of Aryan peoples into the Indian sub-continent and their interaction with the Dravidian people. Aryans spread into the Ganges River valley about 1000 B.C.E. About that time, they developed the use of iron tools and weapons. They used iron axes to clear forests for agriculture; and as their agricultural practices flourished, their population grew immensely. As their populations grew, their political structure evolved also. The local chiefdoms became kingdoms ruled by kings in permanent cities. These kings depended on the services of professional administrators to handle the day to day tasks of governance. Still, they did not establish large states. Only in the 4th century B.C.E. did any Aryan state equal the size of Harappan society.
During the early Vedic age, the Aryans placed substantial reliance on sacrifice of animals to their gods. It was believed that during sacrifice, the gods visited earth, and joined worshipers in eating and drinking. Since the presence of the gods was deemed beneficial, sacrifice became almost non-stop. A proper household would have the Brahmins offer sacrifices not less than five times per day; a process that was expensive and time consuming.
In time, the practice grew old and the people disenchanted. A number of people began retreating to the woodlands to live as hermits and contemplate the relationship between people, the world, and the gods. A number of them were inspired by Dravidian practice. The Dravidians had worshiped spirits associated with fertility and the generation of new life. They had also believed that human souls took on a new physical form after death, either as another human, or even as a plant or animal.
The combination of Dravidian and Aryan religious ideas culminated in the Upanishads, (literally, "sitting in front of," as a student sits in front of a master to receive instruction,) a group of religious works that appeared over a period of time. The Upanishads taught that individual humans were in fact part of a greater universal soul known as the Brahman. The Brahman was unchanging and universal, whereas human existence was in a constant state of flux.
Rig vedic period is completely a part and parcel of the developing Aryans on the banks of Ganges and throughout the border of Punjab. Differences can be such concluded which are diversified within the views of women status, practice of worship, economic trade and finally the political status in early and later vedic period.
*Status of women*
In early rig vedic period women were at par with the men. From participation in assemblies, equal decisional rights, no proper evidence for polygamy and the sati which was not prevalent during this era
In later rig vedic period it was a complete different story where everything was overturned over this period of time. Status quonof women were completely undermined, father or the head got superior control in family, practice of sati and child marriage was in developed part of their practice.
*Worship*
Early rig vedic period saw emergence of gods like Agni, Vayu and Indra. While Indra had upper claim over the rest, agni was treated as tge intermediate bond between the humans and god. Varuna was consider the sole consoler of mother nature. Idol worship was banned. Sacrifices were not a part of practice
Late rig vedic period was again a compelling turn of events when compared to the early as Idol worship gained momentum, worship of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva was noticeable. Indra and agni lost their importance. Sacrifices like Ashwamedha and Rajayasu effected lower people as they were unavle to bear the cost and strict guidelines rendered them to search for an alternate religion practoce which was found to be Jainism and Buddhism.
*Economic and trade*
In early Vedic period barter system was in effect and 'Nishka' was used as exchange in terms of gold coins. Farming, pottery and carpenting was discovered.
In later vedic period barter system was still evident and 'Nishka' was replaced by 'Krishnala' type of gold and silver coins. Wheat, Barley and Rice were extensively cultivated.
*Political status*
Early period saw no dominant ruling of Kings though smaller kingdom emerged. Jana was the unit if community. Gramani was head of Grama. Rig vedic polity is said to be monarchial.
Later vedic had larger implications of hugr kingdom to evolve and Kuru Panchala was the first to emerge. Many jana formed together to Janapada. Vysya community evolved which was rather good in trade annd community . Knowledge of manure in fields came into existence.