Give an account of the early Vedic society, polity, religion and economy in 500 words
Answers
Vedic period exist from 1500BC to 500BC, till second urbanization. It called vedic period because of the text prevalent at that time e.g. Rigveda, yajurveda, atharavveda, samaveda.
Early vedic society had pastoral society and tribal culture, with the development of agriculture and other social, economical development's later vedic society i.e from 1000BC onward developed into agricultural settlement with tribal culture.
Rigveda, Zenda avesta and illiad and odyssey ancient text mention about the society, polity, religion and economy of early vedic people.
Society :-
Early vedic people had pastoral life and move from one place to another, so no civil administration and justice administration exist.
There is mention of only 2 varna's i.e. Arya varna and Dasa varna, in which dasa's were defeated by arya's in battle of ten kings.
Jana term mentioned 275 times in Rigveda, which means tribe. Rigvedic people were loyal to their jana's.
Polity :-
Every vedic tribe had chief called "rajan" elected by tribal council called sabha or samiti. Rajan was responsible for protector of tribe, protection of cattle, fought wars and perform ritual and sacrifices to gods.
Sabha conduct democratic decisions and military functions. Rajan was supported by other official's in day to day administration e.g Purohita, senani, sanghitri, spies.
Rajan doesn't had standing army and during the war assemble men from other tribes called vrata.
Rajan get voluntary tribute's called Bali.
Religion :-
Major vedic gods include
Indra :- destroyer of dwelling unit also called purandar.
Maitrya :- God of storm
Varuna :- water god
Soma :- intoxicating drink
Agni :- fire god
Also have some hymns about river Saraswati.
Vedic people worship natural power's as god. they worship god by offering sacrifices and chanting mantra's mentioned in rigveda's.
Fire cult was called "vedi" in rigveda
Aswamedha yajna, rajasuya yajna and vajapeya (chariot race) mentioned in ancient texts.
Economy :- Since early vedic people were pastoral livelihood scope of tribute's earning was limited and no tax administration structure exist.
Cattle was major source of wealth and battle's were fought for cattle's called Gavasthi.
Carpenter, chariot maker, leather worker, smiths, occupation's mentioned in rigveda.
Few official's enjoy large tract of land's called vrajapati.
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