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Vedic civilization

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Vedic Civilization – History Study Material & Notes

The Vedic Civilization was the culture and traditions of the society prevalent during the Vedic age ( 1500- 600 BCE). In various examinations which have a section of general studies, often ask a question or two about the Vedic civilization. This chapter of the history study material & notes is meant to cover the essential and exam-worthy details of the ancient Vedic period.
It should be noted here that after the decline of Indus Valley civilization by 1500 BCE, the next wave of civilization began to take shape in form of Aryan occupation of Indo-Gangetic plain.

The Aryans:

  • Typically, the age of Aryans is known as the Vedic age because the four major Vedas were created in this time.
  • The word Aryan is derived from the Sanskrit word “arya” which means noble, not ordinary.
  • They arrived from russian steppes, as is believed and agreed to by majority historians.
  • But various scholars voice different opinion about thier origin. Bal Gangadhar Tilak argued that Aryans came from the Arctic region following their astronomical calculations.
  • It is generally agreed that they spoke Indo-Aryan Language, Sanskrit.
  • They were semi-nomadic, pastoral people, who led a rural life as compared to the urban Harappans.

Vedic Literature: 

  • The term Veda means “superior knowledge” in Sanskrit.
  • Four major Vedas constitute the vedic literature. They are – Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sam Veda, and Atharva Veda.
    1. Rig Veda – Earliest veda. Has 1028 hymns in praise Gods.
    2. Yajur Veda – Has details of rules to be followed during sacrifices.
    3. Sam Veda – Has a collection of songs. The origins of Indian music are traced to it.
    4. Atharva Veda – has a collection of spells and charms.
  • Besides these Vedas, there were Brahmanas, Upnishads, Aryankas, and epics- Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • Brahmanas – Prose about vedic hymns, rituals and philosophies.
  • Aryankas – Deal with mysticism, rites and rituals.
  • Upnishads – Philosophical texts dealing with soul, mysteries of nature.
  • Ramayana was authored by Valmiki.
  • Mahabharata was written by Ved Vyasa.

Classification of Vedic Period:

The period of Vedic Civilization(1500-500 BCE) is divided into two broad parts –
  1. Early Vedic Period (1500-1000 BC), also known as Rig Vedic Period.
  2. Later Vedic Period (1000- 600 BC).
We will study the following features of the Vedic Civilization under these two periods.

Political Organisation in Vedic Age:

In Early Vedic Age:
  • ‘Kula‘ was the basic unit of political organization.
  • Multiple families together of kinship formed a ‘grama‘.
  • Leader of ‘grama’ was ‘Gramani‘.
  • Group of villages were called ‘visu’, headed by ‘vishayapati‘.
  • The highest political and administrative unit was ‘jana‘ or tribe.
  • There were several such tribal kingdoms – Bharatas, Matsyas, Yadus and Purus.
  • The head of kingdom was ‘Rajan‘ or king.
  • The Rig Vedic polity was hereditary monarchy normally.
  • There were two bodies- Sabha(council of elders) and Samiti(general assembly of people).

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