phases of vedic period
Answers
Answer:
The Vedic civilization is divided into phases- Rig Vedic or early Vedic period (1500-1000 BC) and later Vedic period (1000-600 BC).
Explanation:
Rig Vedic period:
The Aryans initially lived in the region known as the ‘Sapta-Sindhu’ or ‘Land of Seven Rivers’, the area of seven rivers which included Sindhu (Indus), Vitasta (Jhelum), Asikni (Chenab), Parushni (Ravi), Vipash (Beas), Shutudri (Sutlej) and the Sarasvati. The early Aryans were Pastoral and nomadic. A cattle rearing was the main occupation of early Aryans. The family was the basic unit of the Rig Veda society which was patriarchal in nature. The family was part of a larger grouping called vis or clan. One or more than one clans made jana or tribe.
Later Vedic period:
The later Vedic period is the name given to the period when the three later veda Samhitas, namely the Arthvaveda, Samaveda and Yajurveda as well as the Brahmanas and Upanishads were composed. During the later Vedic period Aryans, gradually moved eastward and occupied western and eastern U.P. (Kosala) and north Bihar (Videha) covered by the Ganga-Yamuna doab. During this phase, agriculture became the mainstay of the Vedic people. Many rituals were introduced to initiate the process of agriculture. It also talked about the ploughing with yokes and oxen’s. Use of iron tools also became common by 1000-800 B.C. The tribal settlements were replaced by strong kingdoms known as janapadas. At the end of the RigVeda the society divided into four classes based on the Varna system which was initially based on occupation later became hereditary. The Brahmans were at the top in the Varna hierarchy and the growing number of rituals and sacrifices made them more powerful. The kshatriyas, next in the social hierarchy, were the rulers. The vaishyas, were engaged in agriculture as well as in trade and artisanal activities. The shudras, were at the bottom of the social hierarchy. They were ordained to be in the service of the three upper varnas. Women were no longer permitted to attend assemblies. The later Vedic people also used potteries which were of four kinds- black and red ware, black-slipped ware, painted grey ware and red ware.