CHAPTER 2 - THE ARYANS & VEDIC PERIOD

THE ARYANS & VEDIC PERIOD

The term Aryan translates to 'High Birth,' while Veda signifies 'Knowledge.' It is believed that these groups migrated from Central Asia between 2000 and 1500 BC, establishing themselves in regions that correspond to present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Punjab, and Western Uttar Pradesh. This area is referred to as the Land of the Seven Sisters (Sapta Sindhu).

The Aryans were primarily nomadic cattle herders who practiced slash-and-burn agriculture. They were renowned for their prowess as warriors and horsemen during that era. The use of chariots featuring spoked wheels is documented from the Aryan period. It is thought that the Aryans were the first to discover iron in the Ganga River valley, as there is no evidence of iron usage during the Indus Valley Civilization. The fertile land, timely monsoons, and the availability of iron were significant factors that contributed to the Aryans' decision to settle in the Ganga valley.

Languages of Aryans

Sanskrit served as the primary language of the Aryans and shares similarities with numerous European languages. In contrast, the Dravidian language, prevalent in southern India, is distinct from Sanskrit. It is noteworthy that the Dravidian language predates Sanskrit in the Indian context. Consequently, it is posited that the Aryans migrated to India by traversing the Hindu Kush mountains. 

Initially, the Aryans communicated solely through oral traditions, without the use of written texts. However, over time, written forms of language were developed. The Rig-Veda, recognized as the oldest of the Vedas, was composed between 1500 and 1000 BC and was transcribed around 900 BC. It remains the only Veda created during the early Vedic period.

River name during Viedic Time:

• Indus - Sindhu
• Jhelum - Vitasta
• Chenab - Askini
• Ravi - Parushni
• Beas - Bipas
• Sautlej - Satudri
• Gomati - Gumal
• Kabul - Kubha
• Saraswati - Nandi Tara

Name of Deities during Vedic Period

• Indra/Purandar: Fort Breaker, Thunder God, God of Battle, 
• Agni: Fire God
• Varuna: Water God
• Surya: God of seven horses
• Rudra: God of Animals
• Vishnu: God who covered 3 Lokas in his 3 feet.
• Yama: God of death
• Mitra: Solar God
• Marut: personified Storm
• Usha: Goddess of dawn
• Asvinis: twin God who always prefers to dance

Types of Marriages:

Brahmin Vivah: A marriage within the same varna, conducted with all prescribed Vedic rites and rituals.  

Daiva Vivah: The father bestows his daughter upon a Brahmin as a form of dakshina.  

Arsh Vivah: The father arranges the marriage by receiving a bride price for his daughter.  

Prajapatya Vivah: A marriage that occurs without the exchange of dowry.  

Gandharva Vivah: A union based on mutual love.  

Pisacha Vivah: A marriage that occurs following the seduction or violation of the girl.  

Rakshas Vivah: A marriage that takes place through the abduction of the girl.  

Early Vedic Period ( 1500- 1000 BC)

Economy

• The economic practices of the Aryans encompassed both agriculture and pastoralism. 
• The Rig-Veda references the ploughshare, which was constructed from wood and pulled by oxen. 
• The cow served as the standard unit of exchange. 
• Various coins were in circulation, including the Nishaka, Krishna, and Satmana. 
• Time was measured using the term Godhuli, while distance was quantified in Gauyuti.

Army

• There was an absence of a conventional army; however, certain formations of chariots and infantry were in existence.

Polity

• The selection of a king was conducted by a national assembly referred to as the Samiti. 
• The council of elders, known as the Sabha, played a significant role in governance. 
• Kinship served as the foundational structure of society. 
• The Vis was organized into smaller units called Grama. 
• Conflicts between two Grama were termed Sangram.

4 system of Varna

• Brahmin (individual knowledgeable in the Vedas)  
• Kshatriya (individual engaged in warfare)  
• Vaishya (individual involved in trade and commerce)  
• Shudra (individual performing labor or skilled crafts)  

The Varna system during the Early Vedic period was primarily determined by individuals' occupations; however, in the later Vedic period, this system gradually transitioned to one based on birth.

Later Vedic Period: (1000-600 BC)

• This period is commonly referred to as the painted grey ware phase. The later Vedic period is associated with the Yamuna and Sadanira rivers. 
• Throughout this time, India was divided into three territorial divisions based on their interactions: 
• Aryabrata - Northern India  
• Madhya Desh - Central India  
• Dakshina Patha - Southern India  

Polity

• Larger kingdoms began to emerge during this period. 
• The authority of royalty became more pronounced, while the significance of the Sabha and Samiti diminished. 
• Women were prohibited from participating in the assembly. The term "Rastra," denoting territorial extent, was first introduced in this era. 
• The Taittiriya Brahmana discusses the divine origins of kinship, whereas the Satapatha Brahmana references twelve ratninas, or civil functionaries.

12 Ratnanis

1. Crown Prince - Yuvaraj
2. Chief Queen - Mahishi
3. Royal Heraid - Suta
4. Commander  of Army - Senani
5. Treasurer - Sangrahitri
6. Tax collector - Baghadugha
7. Accountant - Akshvapa
8. Head of Village - Gramani
9. Head of Family: Kulapati
10. Gateman - Kshatri
11. Head of forest department - Govikarta
12. Friend of king - Palagala

Type of Marriage

• Anuloma Vivah was permitted, allowing men of higher castes to marry women of lower castes. Conversely, during the Upper Vedic period, 
• Pratiloma Vivah, which is a form of hypergamous marriage permitting men of lower castes to wed women of higher castes, was not sanctioned.

• Rituals gained significance through the practice of sacrifice. 
• The deity associated with the Shudra class is Pushan. 
• Vedic literature is categorized into two main types: Sruti and Smriti. 
• The Vedas are further divided into Samhitas.

Significance of Vedas

Rig-Veda

• Saraswati was regarded as a divine river during the Rig Vedic period. 
• The Rigveda comprises 1,028 hymns, which are organized into ten mandalas, with the first and tenth mandalas being the most recent and extensive. 
• The second and seventh mandalas provide insights into the families of ancient sages, including Viswamitra, Vasista, Bharadwaja, Atri, Bamadeva, and Gritsambad. 
• The third mandala features the Gayatri mantra dedicated to the goddess Savitri. 
• The eighth mandala is associated with Kanvi and Angiras, while the ninth mandala contains hymns dedicated to Soma.

Sama - Veda

• This text comprises a compilation of melodies. 
• It was performed by Udhatri during the Soma sacrifice. 
• It features the Dhrupad Raga.

Yajur-Veda

• It includes rituals for sacrifices that are not of Aryan origin. 
• The Yajur Veda consists of two distinct texts: the Shukla Text and the Krishna Text.

Atharva-Veda

• This book is filled with enchanting formulas. 
• It holds incantations aimed at malevolence and ailments.

Upanishad 

• There are 108 Upanishads in total, with 11 being particularly significant. 
• The Munduka Upanishad emphasizes the principle of "Satyamev Jayate," which signifies the pursuit of knowledge through close association with a Guru. 
• This text was documented during the latter part of the Vedic period. 
• The Upanishads are inherently spiritual and philosophical, aimed at deepening the understanding of the Vedas. 
• They explore concepts such as Karma, Atman, Brahman, and the creation of the Universe.

Brahman

• This provides an orthodox interpretation of the Vedas. 
• It reveals the concealed meanings within the Vedas, emphasizing their ritualistic aspects.

Aranyaka

• Sages imparted wisdom to their students in the jungle through the aranyakas, sharing insights about the rishis of the forest. 
• This represents the final section of the Brahmanas.

Vedanga

• The Vedas encompass various branches that are integral to both science and the arts. In Hinduism, there are six Vedangas:  

1. Shiksha: the study of phonetics  
2. Kalpa: the guidelines for rituals  
3. Vyakarana: the rules of grammar  
4. Nirukta: the exploration of etymology  
5. Chandha: the principles of metrics  
6. Jyotisha: the field of astronomy.  

There are four additional small Vedas that focus on the daily lives of the Aryans. 

They include 

• Dhanur-Veda, which pertains to the art of warfare; 
• Gandharva-Veda, which covers music and the arts; S
• hastre-Shastra, which deals with military technology; and 
• Ayur-Veda, which is centered on medicine.

There are six traditional schools of philosophy known as ShatDarshan. The majority of these schools adhere to the concepts of Karma and reincarnation. The key figures associated with each school are as follows: 

• Yoga is represented by Patanjali, 
• Uttara Mimansa by Vyasa, 
• Purva Mimansa by Jamini, 
• Sankhya by Kapila, 
• Nyaya by Gautama, and 
• Vaisesikha by Kannada.

Purana

• Purana encompasses mythology, ethical guidelines, numerous legends, and folk beliefs, among other elements.

2 EPICS

• Mahabharata: Composed by Veda Vyasa, who predates the Ramayana, with the belief that it was written down by Ganesh.  
• Ramayana: Authored by Valmiki.

DASRAJAN WAR

In ancient times, India was governed by the Bharat clan. The Dasrajan war erupted between the Bharat clan and ten other kings, comprising five Aryan and five non-Aryan rulers. The conflict was ultimately won by King Sudas Paijavana of the Bharat clan. This significant battle took place along the banks of the Parushni River. Subsequently, the Bharat clan joined forces with the Puru clan, leading to the establishment of the formidable Kuru clan.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

What are the main feature of Vedic society & religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian Society? (250 words) (2023)

Approch

• Introduction of Vedic Time and significance
• Vedic legacy in present day - culture, society, religion, rituals etc
• Some factors reduced Vedic tradition
• Conclusion with present day with balanced transition of Vedic culture and modernization.

Q. With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.

(2) Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.

(3) Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only (Correct Answer)

(d) 1, 2 and 3