Vedic CultureKunal. M Rahul. T

Ayush. M Sumeet. R

Sudarshan. J Sourabh. G

Prathamesh. G Vivek. K Nayan. M Deepak. D Tushar. W

Introduction to vedic culture

During the last phase of Indus. Civilization Aryan language arrived in India in tribes from north west of India. Vedic culture are set by these Tribles. The first Phase of Vedic period is “Rug- veda”. These phase in between 1500 BC to 1000 BC. And The second phase in between 1000 BC to 600 BC. The people who live in Vedic culture are known as the Aryans. The Vedic literature is Ancient and it has Varities. This Literature Riveals the life of Aryan…

Aryans Settlement

The Aryans came to India in several waves. The earliest wave is represented by the Rig Vedic people who appeared in the subcontinent in about 1500 BC. They came into conflict with the indigenous inhabitants called the Dravidians mentioned as dasa or dasyus in Rig Veda. The Rig Veda mentions the defeat of Sambara by Divodasa, who belonged to the Bharata clan. Possibly the dasyus in the Rig Veda represent the original inhabitants of the country, and an Aryan chief who overpowered them was called Trasadvasyu. The Aryan chief was soft towards the dasas, but strongly hostile to the dasyus. The term dasyuhatya , slaughter of the dasyus, is repeatedly mentioned in the Rig Veda.

Indo-Aryan migration is a theory based primarily on linguistics and the Kurgan hypothesis which suggests that the proto-Indo-Aryanpeople of South Asia were settlers from Central Asia who migrated to northern part of the Indian subcontinent more than two millennia ago. Models of this theory discuss scenarios of prehistoric migrations of Indo-Aryans to their historically attested areas of settlement in the northwest of the Indian subcontinent, postulated to have started around 1500 BC. Claims of migration are drawn primarily from linguistic research.According to Shaffer, archaeological evidence for a mass population movement, or an invasion of South Asia in the pre- or proto- historic periods, has not been found. At best, there is evidence of small-scale migrations approaching South Asia. Archaeological evidence suggests that the change from the Indus Valley civilization to Vedic civilization could have been a gradual cultural change.  Kalpasutra notes that Pururavas had two sons by Urvasi, named Ayus and Amavasu, Ayus went east and Amavasu went west.

It has been proposed by some scholars that the Indo-Aryan language derives from an earlier Proto-Indo-Iranian stage, usually identified with the Bronze Age Sintashta and Andronovo culture northeast of the Caspian Sea. Migration of Proto-Indo-Iranian speakers to and within Northwestern parts of South Asia is consequently presumed to have taken place in the Middle to Late Bronze Age, contemporary to the Late Harappan phase 1700 to 1300 BCE. Linguistics has been the primary basis of Aryan Immigration theories; no evidence of massive migration has been found through examination of skeletal remains. The ancient Harappans were not markedly different from modern populations in Northwestern India and present-day Pakistan. Craniometric data showed similarity with prehistoric peoples of the Iranian plateau and Western Asia, although Mohenjodaro was distinct from the other areas of the Indus Valley.

• The Rigveda, containing hymns to be recited by the hotar, or presiding priest;

• The Yajurveda, containing formulas to be recited by the adhvaryu or officiating priest;

• The Samaveda, containing formulas to be sung by the udgatar or priest that chants;

• The fourth is the Atharvaveda, a collection of spells and incantations, apotropaic charms and speculative hymns.

Rug Veda

The Rig veda has a collection of 10472 riks (mantras)with valakhilya sookta comprising of 80 mantras.this is the oldest form of knowledge in the world today.The Riks are the collection of lyrics in

praise of different Gods ,recited by the priests known as HOTA.Special exphasis is laid on soul’s awakening,It has universal appeal:” Let all men meet and think as with one mind.Let all hearts unite in Love.Let

the goal be common.May all live in happiness with common purpose”SageRishi Paila has composed this veda under the

instructions of Bhagavan Vyasa.Vedics who have mastered Rig veda tatva ,HOTAS can perform yagas

and homas.Rig veda comprises of the following divisions.

BrahmanaAranyakaSamhita

With two shakas one in Bhaskala and another in Bhaskala shaka. 

In order to give a practical shape to the matras and hyms appearing in the Rig vedas ,in the form of yagna worship and

procedural details are prescribed for the performance of different yagnas with its many branches.The main

components are krishna yajurveda and shukla yajurveda. Glory of yajur veda lies in the good presentation of vedic

karmas and rituals. Yagnas like Darsapoornamasa,somayaga,vaajapeya,asvamedha etc, are

perfomed with religious intensity and purity.The Sage Vaishampayana is be;ieved to have complied this

veda under the guidance of Bhagawan veda vyasa.The priest who performs these yagas are known as ADVARU.

Vedics who have mastered yajurvedas, Bhramhatatva ,ADVARU can perform yagas and homas.

Yajur Veda

In order to give a practical shape to the matras and hyms appearing in the Rig vedas, in the form of yagna worship and procedural details are prescribed for the performance of different yagnas with its many branches. The main components are krishna yajur veda and shukla yajur veda. Glory of yajur veda lies in the good presentation of vedic karmas and rituals.Yagnas like Darsapoornamasa, somayaga, vaajapeya, asvamedha etc, are perfomed with religious intensity and purity.The Sage Vaishampayana is be;ieved to have complied this veda under the guidance of Bhagawan veda vyasa.The priest who performs these yagas are known as Advaru.Vedics who have mastered yajur vedas, Bhramhatatva, ADVARU can perform yagas and homas.

Sam Veda

Sama brings peace of mind to the human beings, To search for happiness is the eternal goal for manking.This veda is preaching mantras from rig vedaThey are set to music making it very conducive to spiritual development and progressive elovlution of the self and the grace of gods. Lord krishna in Bhagawadgeeta had declared that Samma veda is the foremost among vedas. Saama Gaana can be said to be the for most and basis cum source for the seven swarasor notes which are the fundamental pillarstone for the indian music. Rishi jaimini was the acharya imparing the essence of Sama veda .Priests who sing these mantras during homas are called as UDGHATAS.Vedics who have mastered samaveda UDGHATAS can perform yagas and homas.

Atharva Veda

The Rishis Atharvas had blossomed the mantras in the Atharva vedas. This veda contains many types of mantras which ward off evil deeds, hardships and destroys enemies.There are certain verses in Atharva vedas which do not find a place in any other vedas. The Acharya Sumanthu deciple of Bhagawan Vyasa had mastered this veda.All the vedas have the common goal ;to ensure the well being of this universe and to help every one towards spiritual progress in life.Vedics who have mastered Atharvana vedas, Bhramhatatva can perform yagas and homas.

Aryans RuleAdministration

The aryans live in tribes. They left in trible they settled themselves in the fertile valleys of saptasindhu, ganga, yamuna with abudant water the other supplimentary means for catle breeding and farming attracted towards Stability in life. At the beginning the aryans had to fight with the non aryans and also the another tribes of aryans for the life stock.

The aryan institution of family gave birth to monarchy. Many Families gave came togeather to form A village. ‘Vish’ Was a group of many villages. Various ‘Vish’ form the ‘Jan’ means state ; The chief of the state was called as rajan or king.

The people used to select mighty or deplomation person as their king. The king had to take an oath of his loyality for the state. His first duty was to protect his people from the outside tribes. The unfaithful king was dethroned or killed. There were two institutions ‘Sabha’ and ‘Samiti’. These Institutions became insignificiant in later vedic period and the king ship became herediatery.

Aryans Economical Life

The Aryans in the later Vedic period had progressed and prospered economically. Agriculture was the chief means of livelihood of the later Vedic people. The Aryans had come to know about iron but very few agricultural tools made of iron have been found. Heavy ploughs were made from it. Vedic texts refer that 24 oxen were used to drag heavy and large ploughs. During this time rice and wheat became their chief crops. Other agricultural products were barley, cotton and various pulses. In Vedic texts rice is also called as Vrihi. Cattle rearing was second important occupation of the Aryans. They domesticated camel, cow, ox, elephant, sheep, horse, goat, donkey and dog. The number of animals represented the During this period cow-worship increased and slaughter of cow was prohibited.

Various arts and craft developed during this period. Weaving was done by women only but on a wide scale. The people were acquainted with four types of pottery -black and red ware, black slipped ware, painted grey ware and red ware. Other occupations of the Aryans were the goldsmith, leatherwork, the carpenter, blacksmith etc. Both internal and foreign trade had progressed. The Vedic texts refer to sea and sea voyages. This shows that now sea-borne trade was carried on by the Aryans. Money lending was a flourishing business. The references to the word Sreshthin indicates that there were rich traders and probably they were organized into guilds. The Aryans did not use coins but specific weights of gold were used for purposes of a gold currency- Satamana, Nishka, Kosambhi, Hastinapur, Kashi and Videha were regarded as renowned trade centres. Bullock carts were used to carry goods on land. For foreign trade boats and ships were used. They started using coins – nishka as currency for exchange.

Aryans Social IifeFamily ---- Family was the nucleus of the social life of Vedic Aryans. The Aryans wandering in search of habitat and green pastures finally settled down to the houses they built. The family was patriarchal, the father or the eldest male member being the head of the family. He was known as ‘Kulapa', 'Kulapati‘, or 'Grahapati'.

House --- The Aryans built houses made of clay, bamboo and wood- .Each house was covered with a thatched roof. Each house had a kitchen, meant for rituals, worship and cooking. A drawing room, dressing room for ladies and room for the head of the family were built into every house. Each family had its own house. Each village housed ninny families. The Vedic culture was the epitome, of ancient rural culture.

Food and Drink --- The Aryans had simple food-habits. They lived on cakes made of wheat and maize. Various fruits, milk and milk products like curd, cheese and ghee were their main food. They also ate the meat those calf, goat and lamb which were sacrificed at the Hanja was strictly exempted from slaughter. They drank water from river, stream and well. They drank 'Samaras', the intoxicant juice of soma tree. This drink was sacred. This drink was taken after it was offered in the rituals of Yajna.

Education --- The Aryans of the Rig-Vedic age attached a lot of importance to education. The disciple would get education in the Gurtikula after his sacred thread ceremony. Education was the teacher's oral teaching. The teacher (Zachary) would recite the Vedic hymns. The pupils would remember it through re-recitation. The fifth 'Sitka' of Rig-Veda resembles the Guru Kula with the croaking frogs. The Vedic education aimed to sharpen the knowledge of the students and build up their character. Education of the ' days was basically religious. The pupils were also taught about Ethics, art of warfare, art of metals, the concept of Brahma and philosophy, as well as about basic sciences like agriculture, animal husbandry and handicrafts. This education was in high public esteem as it had a special role to play in consolidating the social system.

The Functions of Chaturvarna This article is not written to support any form of caste system but to present the truth behind it in front of the people. Upon completion of reading this article, I assure you that you will have an in-depth knowledge of the caste system and you will come to know that these are not Hindus actually who are responsible for the current form of caste system, but it is the lack of that scientific knowledge which have led to this stage.

Introduction to caste system:

Caste system is a system, which decides a person’s social status and trade by his/her birth. It is important to note that Hinduism advocates Varnashrama and not modern caste system, which is based upon the caste of the family in which a particular person is born.

The caste system is broadly divided into four categories:

1. Brahmin – Brahmin is the highest-revered society in Hinduism who by birth rights can perform all the rituals and become priest of a temple or do teaching or scholarly jobs.

2. Kshatriya – The main job of Kshatriaya is to protect the society from external aggressions and to keep law and order. Kshatriya is the second highest-revered community but their status is that of below Brhamins.

3. Vaishya – Vaishya is the trading community. Their job is to trade. Their status is that of below Kshatriya.

4. Shudra – Shudras are considered to enjoy the lowest status in the hierarchy of caste. Their main job involves physical labor such as cleaning, pottery, carpentry, etc.

Ancient caste system i.e. Varnashrama or Chaturvarnya System:

Varnashrama was the system which used to recognize the certain inclination of a person towards a particular occupation and help him to do the job which he will be best suited for. It was of no significance in which family he was born. There were no restrictions on marriage between the persons of two different castes.

Cast system during medieval period:

The medieval period was the worst period for Hinduism. It was this period only when the castes were divided into many subcastes. Moreover, the regionalism added new aspects to the castes.The above-mentioned four categories are further divided into subcategories. For example, In Brahmins, there are subcastes like Chitpavana Brahmins, Deshastha Brahmin, Kayastha Brahmin, Vaishnava Brahmins, Kokanastha Brahmins, and a lot.When a baby is born in a Hindu family, he/she is not only a Hindu but is also attached to a particular caste and subcaste, which his/her family is from.

Aryans cultural lifeThe were using the cotton and woolen clothes. They

designed embroidery on their clothes. The women had deep fascination of ornaments and cosmetics. They wore the jewellry made from gold, silver, ivory, necklace, garlands, etc

The man also wore jewellry. The necklace called ‘Nishaka’ was very popular. Both man and women were alert of their hairstyle. They used to beautify themselves with sented cosmetic, sandal powders, kajal, mehandi, etc.

The aryans were intresting in dancing, singing, playing, games like dice, etc. Samveda means singing continuously. The veena,mrudung,flute,A conch and cymbals Were the chief musical instruments of the aryans. The vedic aryans participated in the sports like athletics.

Vedic religionThe early Aryan were the workshippers

of the nature. And natural forces. In rugveda the universe has been divided into three forces. Those are Earth, Space and Orpit. There were eleven deites in each group1) Deities on earth : The earth, Fire,

Brahaspati and som etc.2) Deities in space : Indra, Rudra, Varun

(Rain), Air (Marut) etc.3) Deities in the orbit : Sun, Usha, Vishnu ,

Moon, etc

The chief Deities Of the aryans are the sun indra, varun, usha (Female God) Rudra. Thus various natural forces were worshipped by the aryans. The aryans never worshipped the idol. They believed in rules of nature and its control over the universe. The moral order of the nature was called ‘Ruta’. ‘Ekam sat’ Was the religious principle of the aryan. It emplies that the universe is nothing but a manifestations of the one god who is the creator of the universe. The different ways of worshipping the deities finally lead to the one god. (Al mighty) these was the chief principle of the vedic religion. The aryans ideas religion developed the religious harmony in the society.

Almighty god is a creator of the universe. The Aryans gave importance to ritual in order to please the natural forces and to have the blessing of the god. Ass the flames of fire go up in the sky and disappear, the fire became the god of oblation. The Aryans offered milk, butter, food grains to the fire in rituals. They believe that the offerings would bring happiness prosperity good health and protection from the enemies.

The Rites and ritual got an upper hand in the letter Vedic period the colossus of the Brahmans who perfomed the ritual was increased. The traditions of sacrifice of animals began. Religious activities of rites and rituals increase.

There was a revolt against all this. The cast system produce social in equality. The peoples morality and good conduct disappeared. The great philosopher like charvack, kapil advocated rationalism and set foundation of ideology of social philosophy.

The End

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