Approach:

Introduction: Timeline of Vedic Aryan period, settlement of Aryans and controversy regarding origins.
Body: Mention the social, economic and political conditions of Vedic Aryans, with examples and historical keywords.
Conclusion: Write a conclusion discussing the recent changes made by NCERT, referring Aryans as indigenous people of Indian subcontinent

Ans: The Vedic Aryan period was 1500 BC and 600 BC. This is the next major civilization that occurred in ancient India after the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization. The Vedic Age started with the Aryan occupation of the Indo-Gangetic Plains.The Aryans were a semi-nomadic pastoral people.The original homeland of the Aryans is a matter of debate with different experts suggesting different regions from where they originated

Social conditions of Vedic Aryans:

Caste Society: Occupation was not based on birth.- Varna, or colour, was used to distinguish between Vedic and non-Vedic people.
Family: - The family belonged to a larger group known as a vis or clan.One or more than one clan made Jana or tribe.The Jana was the largest social unit.
Varna system: There was no varna system in the early Vedic period.
Position of women: Despite the patriarchal nature of society, women played an important role in it. They had been educated and were entitled to the assemblies.- Women poets: Apala, Viswavara, Ghosa, and Lopamudra.
Tribal Conflicts: The growing need for more pasture lands and cattle contributed to an increase in inter and intra-tribal conflicts and warfare.Inter-tribal conflicts were frequent, an example being the battle of the Ten Kings mentioned in the Rigveda.
Religious Condition: - Indra, Agni, Varuna, Mitra, Dyaus, Pushana, Yama, Soma, etc are all male gods. Many goddesses, such as Ushas, Sarasvati, and Prithvi, hold secondary positions in the pantheon.The most frequently mentioned god in the Rigveda is Indra.
Marriage: Marriage was typically monogamous, but chiefs occasionally practised polygamy.

Economic Condition of Vedic Aryans:

Agriculture: There are no other grains mentioned along with 'Yava' or barley.Shifting agriculture was practised.
Trade and Commerce: The people gave the chief what was known as Bali, which was simply a voluntary contribution made by ordinary tribesmen on special occasions.There was no officer mentioned for tax collection. Cows were the most popular means of exchange. Priests were compensated with cows, horses, and gold ornaments for performing sacrifices.
Occupation: The dominant occupational activity in pastoral society was cattle rearing.
Iron Technology: They did not use iron technology and were familiar with copper.

Political Condition of Vedic Aryans:

Monarchical form of government with a king known as Rajan.
Patriarchal families. Jana was the largest social unit in Rig Vedic times.
Social grouping: kula (family) – grama – visu – jana.
Tribal assemblies were called Sabhas and Samitis. Examples of tribal kingdoms: Bharatas, Matsyas, Yadus and Purus.

NCERT has added three new paragraphs on the recent DNA study at Rakhigarhi which mainly rejects Aryan immigration and emphasises that “Harappans are the indigenous people of this region.”.Vedic Age principles still govern our society and form an integral part of 5000 year old civilization.

Useful Links

Quick Links