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
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Aspect
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Rig Vedic Period
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Later Vedic Period
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Social Stratification
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Varna system was fluid with mini mal hierarchy.
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Varna system became rigid, leading to a well-defined hierarchy with Brahmins and Kshatriyas at the top.
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Position of Women
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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
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Status of women declined, with restrictions on religious roles, education, and increasing patri archal norms like child marriage.
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Religious Practices
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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
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Complex rituals, including large-scale sacrifices like Ashvamedha and Rajasuya, with increas ing dominance of Brahmins in religious mat ters.
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Social Mobility
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Fluid movement between varnas and roles in society. Eg- Vishwam itra moved from a Kshatriya to a Brahmin role
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Limited social mobility due to the rigidification of the caste system.
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Governance
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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.
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With urbanization, the need for stable lead ership grew, leading to the rise of absolute kingship as the dominant form of governance.
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Cultural Role
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Emphasis on oral traditions and recitation of hymns from the Rig Veda.
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Development of Sanskrit literature and further expansion of religious texts like the Brahmanas and Upanishads.
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Changes in Economy from Rig Vedic to Later Vedic Period
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Aspect
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Rig Vedic Period
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Later Vedic Period
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Primary Occupation
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Pastoralism, with cattle (gavish ti) being the primary measure of wealth.
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Transition to agriculture as the main economic activity, with the use of iron tools enhancing productivity.
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Land Ownership
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Communal land ownership, no clear concept of private property.
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Emergence of private land ownership, with land grants to Brahmins and warriors.
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Trade and Com merce
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Limited trade, with a barter system based on cattle exchange.
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Expansion of trade networks, use of coins like Nishka for transactions, and rise of specialized crafts.
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Wealth Measure ment
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Wealth measured in terms of cat tle and other livestock.
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Wealth increasingly measured in terms of land ownership and agricultural output.
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Urbanization
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Mostly rural society with scattered tribal settlements.
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Emergence of towns and market centers, leading to the early stages of urbanization.
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Economic Exchange
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Exchange of goods largely within the community or neighboring tribes.
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Greater economic integration and trade across regions, linking settlements with urban mar kets.
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The legacy of vedic period is apparent in many aspects of Modern Indian society like caste system, mythology and religious practices.
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