Underline the changes in the field of economy and society from Rig Vedic to later Vedic period (Answer in 150 words) (UPSC IAS Mains 2024 General Studies Paper – 1)
The transition from the Rig Vedic period (1500-1000 BCE) to the Later Vedic period (1000-600 BCE) witnessed significant changes in Indian society and economy. These transformations laid the foundation for the complex socio-economic structure of ancient India.
Changes in Society from Rig Vedic to Later Vedic Period
|
Aspect
|
Rig Vedic Period
|
Later Vedic Period
|
|
Social Stratification
|
Varna system was fluid with mini mal hierarchy.
|
Varna system became rigid, leading to a well-defined hierarchy with Brahmins and Kshatriyas at the top.
|
|
Position of Women
|
Women enjoyed higher status, par ticipated in religious life, education, and had rights in family matters. Eg Women like Gargi and Maitreyi par ticipated in debates
|
Status of women declined, with restrictions on religious roles, education, and increasing patri archal norms like child marriage.
|
|
Religious Practices
|
Simple rituals and prayers, focusing on natural elements and personal sacrifices. Eg- In the Rig Veda, the focus was on personal prayers and fire rituals
|
Complex rituals, including large-scale sacrifices like Ashvamedha and Rajasuya, with increas ing dominance of Brahmins in religious mat ters.
|
|
Social Mobility
|
Fluid movement between varnas and roles in society. Eg- Vishwam itra moved from a Kshatriya to a Brahmin role
|
Limited social mobility due to the rigidification of the caste system.
|
|
Governance
|
The kingship during this period was not absolute, as rulers were elect ed for a specific term by the local assembly known as the Samiti.
|
With urbanization, the need for stable lead ership grew, leading to the rise of absolute kingship as the dominant form of governance.
|
|
Cultural Role
|
Emphasis on oral traditions and recitation of hymns from the Rig Veda.
|
Development of Sanskrit literature and further expansion of religious texts like the Brahmanas and Upanishads.
|
Changes in Economy from Rig Vedic to Later Vedic Period
|
Aspect
|
Rig Vedic Period
|
Later Vedic Period
|
|
Primary Occupation
|
Pastoralism, with cattle (gavish ti) being the primary measure of wealth.
|
Transition to agriculture as the main economic activity, with the use of iron tools enhancing productivity.
|
|
Land Ownership
|
Communal land ownership, no clear concept of private property.
|
Emergence of private land ownership, with land grants to Brahmins and warriors.
|
|
Trade and Com merce
|
Limited trade, with a barter system based on cattle exchange.
|
Expansion of trade networks, use of coins like Nishka for transactions, and rise of specialized crafts.
|
|
Wealth Measure ment
|
Wealth measured in terms of cat tle and other livestock.
|
Wealth increasingly measured in terms of land ownership and agricultural output.
|
|
Urbanization
|
Mostly rural society with scattered tribal settlements.
|
Emergence of towns and market centers, leading to the early stages of urbanization.
|
|
Economic Exchange
|
Exchange of goods largely within the community or neighboring tribes.
|
Greater economic integration and trade across regions, linking settlements with urban mar kets.
|
The legacy of vedic period is apparent in many aspects of Modern Indian society like caste system, mythology and religious practices.
Next
previous
Latest News
EDITORIALS & ARTICLES
General Studies