Early Vedic Age (Rig Vedic Period)

  1. The Vedic Period (c. 1500 BCE to 600 BCE) is divided into two phases: the Early Vedic Age and the Later Vedic Age.
  2. The Early Vedic Age (1500–1000 BCE) is also called the Rig Vedic Period as the Rigveda was composed during this time.
  3. The Rigveda is the oldest literary work of the Aryans and consists of 1,028 hymns written in Sanskrit.
  4. The Aryans, semi-nomadic people, are believed to have migrated from Central Asia (Steppe region) into the Indian subcontinent.
  5. They first settled in the Sapta Sindhu region, meaning the land of seven rivers, including Indus, Saraswati, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
  6. The society was pastoral and relied heavily on cattle rearing. Cattle were considered a symbol of wealth.
  7. The political unit was called a Jana (tribe), led by a chief known as Rajan.
  8. The king (Rajan) was supported by officials like Purohita (priest) and Senani (military commander).
  9. Assemblies such as Sabha (Council of Elders) and Samiti (General Assembly) advised the king.
  10. There was no concept of a standing army; instead, tribal wars were fought using volunteer forces.
  11. Society was patriarchal, and the family was a basic unit called Kula.
  12. The society was divided into three varnas: Brahmanas (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), and Vaishyas (commoners).
  13. The Shudras, who performed menial jobs, were added later towards the end of the Early Vedic Period.
  14. Women enjoyed a respectable position and could participate in religious ceremonies and education.
  15. Child marriages were absent, and Swayamvara (choosing a husband) was prevalent among royal women.
  16. The economy was based on agriculture, cattle rearing, and trade.
  17. The Aryans practiced barter system as coins had not yet come into use.
  18. The prominent Gods worshipped were Indra (God of Rain and Thunder), Agni (Fire God), Varuna (Guardian of Cosmic Order), and Soma (a sacred plant and drink).
  19. Religious practices focused on Yajnas (sacrificial rituals), which involved chanting of hymns and offering of ghee, grains, and animals.
  20. The Rigveda reflects a society where nature was greatly revered, and animism played a key role in religious beliefs.
  21. The Aryans spoke an Indo-Aryan language, which evolved into Vedic Sanskrit.
  22. The concept of Dharma (righteous duty) began to emerge during this period.
  23. Literature was primarily oral, with hymns transmitted from generation to generation through memorization.
  24. The Aryans used the horse extensively for transport and warfare.
  25. Warfare was common, and Indra, the warrior god, was invoked for victories in battles.
  26. Iron was unknown during the Early Vedic Period; copper and bronze were used for making tools and weapons.
  27. Land was not owned individually but was under the control of the tribe.
  28. Occupations included farming, cattle rearing, weaving, and pottery.
  29. People consumed barley, milk, ghee, vegetables, and fruits, and drinking Soma was common during rituals.
  30. Houses were made of wood, reeds, and bamboo and were temporary in nature.
  31. Music, dance, and chariot racing were popular forms of entertainment.
  32. The Aryans did not use script during the Rig Vedic period; their knowledge was preserved through oral traditions.
  33. The society believed in life after death and cremated their dead, sometimes burying grave goods with the deceased.
  34. The Rigvedic people led a simple life, focused on agriculture, cattle, and prayers.
  35. Inter-tribal conflicts were frequent, often over cattle raids or control of fertile land.
  36. There is no evidence of urbanization during the Early Vedic Age.
  37. The term Aryavarta was used to refer to the region where the Aryans lived.
  38. Rivers were considered sacred, and rituals were often performed on their banks.
  39. The cow became an important economic and religious symbol during this period.
  40. Rigvedic hymns mention wealth, valor, and charity as ideal virtues.
  41. Social inequality was less rigid, and mobility among varnas was possible.
  42. The Aryans measured wealth in terms of cows and land productivity.
  43. Polytheism dominated their religious beliefs, with gods representing natural forces.
  44. Temples or idols were absent; worship took place in open spaces.
  45. The early Vedic society was egalitarian compared to the later Vedic period.
Category
Vedic Period (c. 1500–600 BCE)
History of India
Which is the oldest Veda composed during the Early Vedic Period?
What does the term 'Sapta Sindhu' refer to?
Who was the king supported by during the Rigvedic period?
What was the basic unit of society during the Early Vedic Period?
What symbolized wealth in Early Vedic society?
Which god was considered the most powerful and associated with thunder and war?
What language did the Aryans speak during the Rigvedic period?
Which assembly represented the General Assembly in the Early Vedic Age?
What was the term used for a tribal kingdom?
Which Vedic god was associated with fire and acted as a mediator in sacrifices?
What were hymns in the Rigveda primarily composed for?
What kind of economy was prevalent in the Early Vedic Period?
Which of the following metals was unknown during the Rigvedic period?
What was the prominent occupation of the Aryans?
Which god was associated with cosmic order and morality?
What kind of marriage practice was prevalent among royal women?
Which assembly was considered the Council of Elders?
What beverage was consumed during rituals in the Early Vedic Period?
Which term refers to the righteous duty that began to emerge in the Early Vedic Period?
What form of government existed during the Early Vedic Period?
Which animal was considered sacred and a symbol of economic prosperity?
Where did the Aryans primarily settle during the Early Vedic Period?
What was the main source of Rigvedic hymns' transmission?
Which river is most prominently mentioned in the Rigveda?
What term was used for the chief of a tribe?
What was the name of the priests who conducted rituals?
What role did women play in Rigvedic society?
Which plant had a ritual significance in the Rigvedic period?
What was the significance of cows during the Rigvedic period?
Which term referred to the offering of oblations to gods?
What was the main occupation of Rigvedic people?
Which natural phenomenon was Indra associated with?
Who composed the hymns of the Rigveda?
Which Vedic text refers to early religious practices?
What was the meaning of 'Arya' during the Rigvedic period?
What was 'Gavisthi' associated with in the Rigveda?
What is the Rigvedic name of the river Ravi?
Who was the god of wind in the Rigvedic age?
What was the title given to a warrior leader?
What was the primary source of livelihood for the Rigvedic people?
What is the literal meaning of the word 'Veda'?
Which god was considered the lord of rain?
What was the status of slaves or 'Dasas' during the Rigvedic period?
What was the term used for the assembly of warriors and tribes?
Which river valley was home to early Rigvedic settlements?
Who among the following was not a prominent Rigvedic deity?
What role did rivers play in the Early Vedic Period?
Which animal was used in Ashvamedha sacrifice?
What is the main theme of Rigvedic hymns?