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. 



POSTED ON 07-11-2024 BY ADMIN
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