distinguish between early Vedic society and the later Vedic society
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Answer:
The Vedic Age was a significant era in Ancient Indian History.The Vedic age itself is divided into the Early Vedic Period (c.1500 – 1200 BCE) and Later Vedic Period (c.1100 – 500 BCE)
Early Vedic Period
1.The caste system was flexible and based on profession rather than birth.
2.There was no concept of Shudra or untouchables.
3.Women were allowed a greater degree of freedom in this period. They were allowed to participate in the political process of the time to a certain extent.
4.Kingship was fluid as the kings were elected for a fixed period by the local assembly known as Samiti.
5.Early Vedic society was pastoralist and semi-nomadic in nature.
6.In the Early Vedic Period, the barter system was more prevalent with little to no monetary value transaction being part of the exchange.
7.Rigveda. This text is cited as the earliest text from this period.
Later Vedic Period
1.The caste system became more rigid in this period with birth being the main criteria.
2.Shudras became a mainstay in the Later Vedic period. Their sole function was to serve those of the upper-castes.
3.Women were restricted from their participation in society by being relegated to subordinate and docile roles.
4.As society became more urbanized in this period, the need for stable leadership was realized. Thus the absolute rule of the Kings became more and more prominent.
5.Society became more settled in nature. It became centred around agriculture in general.
6.Although the barter system was still in practice, it was largely replaced by the exchange of gold and silver coins known as Krishnala.
7.Yajurveda, Samaveda,Atharvaveda these scriptures belong to these times.