THE VEDIC CULTURE

The Vedas

• Are the most celebrated possessions of the Indian civilization.

• Reflect the growth and development of human thought

•Picture of the transformation of a prakrit man into a sanskrit man.

The meaning of the word  “Veda”The word ‘Veda’ originates from the Sanskrit root Vid. The Sanskrit verb ‘Vid’ means ‘to know’. The word ‘Veda’ literally means knowledge.

Aryans•Around 1,500 BC, speakers of Indo- European

languages gradually infiltrated the Indian subcontinent. These people referred to themselves as Arya(Aryan). As historians do not have much archaeological evidence for this era, they rely on the sacred book of hymns(religious song or poem) composed by these people. These sacred books are known as Vedas: hence this period will refer to the Vedic Civilization.

Aryans

Indians, English, Germans, Spanish, French & Persians pride themselves to be the true descendents of the Aryans.They came to India during the second millennium B.C. This age is called the Vedic Age

Original home of the Aryans

Some of them think they are original inhabitants of IndiaSome regard them as invaders who destroyed the superior civilization of the original inhabitant’s whom they drove beyond the Vindhyas.

Original home of the Aryans

Historians agree that the original home of the Aryans was in central Asia in regions around the Caspian sea.

Original home of the AryansThey might have been forced to

migrate due to shortage of food and fodder to seek settlement in other lands.Aryans who came to India are called ‘Indo-Aryans’.

Spread of Aryans in India

Aryans first settled in PunjabFounded their first settlements on the banks of the rivers Indus [Sindu] & Saraswathi [which has since dried up]

Spread of Aryans in India

While driving the ‘Dasyus’ beyond the Vindhyas and thus gained the occupation of more and more land in the eastern & northern parts of the country –they renamed it as ‘Aryavarta’ [abode of the Aryans]

Life of the Aryans

Evidence of the Aryans are found in the ‘Vedas’‘Vedas’-means knowledge

Origin of Vedas (contd.)•However it is believed that Shri Ved Vyasa compiled all the works of rishis into four parts known to us as the Four Vedas.

Different vedas are:

Rigveda – most ancientYajurvedaSamavedaAtharvaveda

The Rig Veda

•The Rig Veda is the oldest of all the Vedas. •composed of 10552 mantras. • knower is known as Ritwik• contains knowledge of science, matter of the universe like sun, moon, air etc.

The Yajur Veda • smallest of all the four Vedas. •The knower of this Veda is known as Adhvaryu.• gives knowledge of all the deeds and duties to be performed by men or women, students, leaders, king, agriculturist etc.

The Sama Veda

•has 1875 mantras. •The knower of this Veda is known as Udgata.•gives knowledge how to worship God;• details of Yoga philosophy is included in this veda.

The Atharva Veda• special place in the field of philosophy and spiritualism. • knower of this Veda is known as Brahma.•has 760 hymns, and about 160 of the hymns are in common with the Rig-Veda.• details of medical science and of medicine etc. it also contains Mantras used in marriage and death rituals, as well as those for kingship,

Social life•Family life•Food•Games & Amusements•Dress•The Varnas /Castes

Family lifeLived in joint familiesThey followed the patriarchal familyGrihapati- eldest male member in the family who exercised full authority over all the members.

Family lifeIt was his duty to perform sacrifices or YajnasWomen also occupied a position of honour – their presence was essential at all religious ceremonies. They were given right education & some even composed the Rigvedic hymns

FoodSimple but nourishingWheat and barley cakes, milk & milk products like butter, ghee, curd, Cheese.

Games & AmusementsFound leisure for enjoymentFond of merry-making & pastimesFavourite amusement – horseracing, chariot racing, hunting

Games & AmusementsFascination for gambling with dice [this game has been referred to in the Rigveda as leading to ruins and slavery].Loved music & played on a flute which resembled the ‘Vina’

DressSimple & generally consisted of 3 parts –Undergarment nivi/dhotiGarment vasa/shirtOver-garment adhivasa

/mantle/cloak of cotton,wool

DressTurbans were also commonly used by themAdorned their persons with gold & silver ornaments garlands & wreaths of flowers jewels etc.Ornaments were worn by men & women

The Varnas /CastesDivided into 4 VarnasBrahmanas : priests were learned people who performed sacrifices

Kshatriyas: ruling class or warriors

The Varnas /CastesVaishyas trading class- farmers, goldsmiths, weavers, potters etc

Shudras descendants of Dasyus –serve the 3 higher varnas

Economic life: their occupations•Agriculture•Domestication of animals•Trade•Discovery of Iron•Other occupations and Industries

Agriculture

Primary occupation was cultivation of landAgricultural products – barley, wheat, rice, cotton, oilseeds

AGRICULTURE

Source of irrigation water – wells, canals, sometimes from lakesPeople depended upon rainsFields cultivated by a pair of oxen.

Domestication of animals

Domestication of animals was another important occupationWealth and prosperity depended on the possession of a large number of animals [especially cows – which was held in great esteem]

Domestication of animals

Other animals domesticated bulls, oxen, horses, sheep, goats, asses, & dogs.

TradeThey were not indifferent to trade & commerce. Barter system – exchange of articles was in vogue(trend)Cow was regarded as the standard of value. [value of things was measured in terms of cows]

TradeCoinage known as “Nishka” was also prevalentTrade was mainly carried on by road. Trade by sea was not quite unknown

Discovery of IronGreatest contribution of the civilization is discovery of ironIron was – a hard & tough metal hence better suited for making tools & weapons compared to copper or bronzeIron was used in making axe-heads – used for clearing jungles and making land fit for cultivation

Discovery of IronIron tools helped sculptor in creating exquisite specimens of sculptures and rock-cut temples.Different rulers equipped their armies with different weapons such as swords, shields, arrow-heads, spear-heads etc.- laid the foundation of vast empires.

Other occupations and Industries Indulged in many other professions & occupationsChief industries referred to in the Rigveda – carpenters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, weavers, leather’s, potters & physicians.

Other occupations and Industries

All work for the benefit of the people as a wholeNo profession was inferior & below dignity

Government or political life

Status of the KingMinisters and the KingThe Sabha & SamitiMode of warfare

Status of the KingRigvedic Aryans lived in tribes called ‘Janas’Each Jana had its own ruler called ‘Rajan”Kingship was generally hereditary.

Status of the KingPeople could select a worthy monarch of their own choice from among the members of the royal family or the nobility when situation demanded

Ministers and the King

King was assisted by a number of ministers likePurohita religious adviserSenani leader of the army & helped king against his enemies.

Ministers and the KingAll ministers & officials were all men of high character & exercised a sort of great check on the autocracy of the kingKing was helpless without ministers as a bird without its wings.