π Topic 02 of 6 Β· Chapter 03 Β· Vedic Age
Early Vedic Society & Economy
Tribal society, pastoral economy, Jana and Vis, role of women, cattle as wealth, early settlements in Sapta Sindhu region.
πΊοΈ Geography β Sapta Sindhu Region
The Early Vedic (Rigvedic) Aryans settled in the Sapta Sindhu region β the land of seven rivers. These seven rivers were: Sindhu (Indus), Vitasta (Jhelum), Asikni (Chenab), Parushni (Ravi), Vipas (Beas), Shutudri (Sutlej), and Saraswati (now dried up).
- The region corresponds to modern Punjab and parts of Afghanistan
- Later Vedic period saw expansion to the Gangetic plains
π₯ Early Vedic Society
Social Organisation
| Unit | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kula | Family | Basic unit; patriarchal family |
| Grama | Village | Group of families; led by Gramani |
| Vis | Clan/tribe | Group of villages; led by Vispati |
| Jana | People/tribe | Larger tribal unit; led by Rajan (king) |
| Rashtra | Kingdom | Largest political unit |
Varna System in Early Vedic Period
- Early Vedic society had a simple two-fold division β Arya (noble) and Dasa/Dasyu (non-Aryan)
- The four-varna system (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) was not yet rigid
- Varna was based on occupation, not birth β could change
- The Purusha Sukta (Rigveda, Mandala 10) mentions the four varnas β but this is a later addition
Women in Early Vedic Society
- Women had a relatively high status in Early Vedic period
- Gargi and Maitreyi β women philosophers who participated in philosophical debates
- Women could attend Sabha and Samiti (assemblies)
- Upanayana (sacred thread ceremony) was available to women
- Women could choose their husbands (Swayamvara)
- No purdah system; no child marriage
- Women composed some Rigvedic hymns β Lopamudra, Vishvavara, Apala, Ghosa
β Key Contrast: Women’s status declined in the Later Vedic period β they were excluded from Sabha and Samiti, Upanayana was denied, and the varna system became more rigid. This contrast between Early and Later Vedic periods is frequently asked in exams.
π Early Vedic Economy
- Pastoral economy β cattle herding was the primary occupation
- Cattle = wealth β the word for war in Rigveda is “Gavishti” (search for cows)
- Agriculture was secondary β wheat and barley cultivation
- Barter system β no coins; cattle used as medium of exchange
- Nishka β gold ornament used as currency
- Crafts: Carpentry (ratha-kara), weaving, leather work, pottery
- Trade: Limited; mainly within tribal groups
ποΈ Early Vedic Polity
- Rajan (king) β tribal chief; not absolute monarch; elected by tribe
- Sabha β assembly of elders; judicial functions
- Samiti β general assembly of all tribesmen; elected king
- Vidatha β oldest assembly; both men and women attended
- Purohita (priest) and Senani (army chief) β key royal officials
- No standing army; tribal militia
- No regular taxation β voluntary gifts (Bali) to king
π Exam Tip:
β’ Gavishti = search for cows = war in Rigveda
β’ Sabha = assembly of elders; Samiti = general assembly
β’ Gargi and Maitreyi = women philosophers of Vedic age
β’ Nishka = gold ornament used as currency
β’ Early Vedic = pastoral; Later Vedic = agricultural
β’ Gavishti = search for cows = war in Rigveda
β’ Sabha = assembly of elders; Samiti = general assembly
β’ Gargi and Maitreyi = women philosophers of Vedic age
β’ Nishka = gold ornament used as currency
β’ Early Vedic = pastoral; Later Vedic = agricultural