Vedic age

UPSC Prelims Crash Course

• A 3-month free crash course for UPSC Prelims 2021 ran from March 17th to June 20th.
• The course offered comprehensive syllabus coverage for IAS (UPSC CSE) Prelims.
• 5 high-quality, full-length mock tests were provided.
• Faculties who taught the course have cleared Prelims and Mains exams multiple times and have extensive teaching experience.
• Static and dynamic (current affairs) portions were covered, focused on the IAS (UPSC CSE) Prelims exam.
• Study material and notes were available on a Telegram channel.
• Doubt clearing sessions were held every Sunday to ensure topic clarity.
• CSAT was included in the course.

Faculty Details

• Sourabh Jain (History Faculty): UPSC 2018, 2019 Interview, with a highest score of 120 in prelims.
• Mohit Agarwal (Economics Faculty): UPSC 2018, 2019 Interview, and gave Mains in 2020.
• Yashovardhan Mishra (Geography and Environment): UPSC 2017, 2019 Mains, with Geography optional.
• Siddhartha Kumar (Polity Faculty): UPSC 2019 Interview, UPSC 2014, 2016, 2017 Mains, and scored twice over 130 marks in Prelims.
• Rajni Jha (Science and Tech): 5 years of experience teaching GS for UPSC.
• Himanshu Gajendra (CSAT): 5 years of experience teaching CSAT.

Vedic Period Overview

• The Vedic Period is divided into the Early Vedic Period (1500 BC – 1000 BC) and the Later Vedic Period (1000 BC – 600 BC).
• The Rigvedic Period corresponds to the Early Vedic Period.

Sources of Vedic Knowledge

• Vedic literature serves as the primary source of information.
• The Vedas are the most important source.
• Veda translates to "knowledge."
• The Vedas aren't a single religious work or a collection of books compiled at a specific time.
• Vedic literature developed over centuries and passed down orally from generation to generation.

The Vedas

• The Vedas are collections of hymns, prayers, charms, litanies, and sacrificial formulas.

Rigveda

• The Rigveda contains a collection of hymns.
• UNESCO recognizes the Rigveda as literature signifying World Human Heritage.
• The Rigveda consists of 1028 hymns (Sukta) divided into ten Mandalas (books) and 10462 Rucha.
• Ayurveda is the Upaveda of the Rig Veda.
• The 3rd Mandal contains the Gayatri Mantra and is dedicated to the Sun.
• The 9th Mandal is dedicated to Soma.
• The 10th Mandala contains the Nadi Stuti Sukta, praising rivers, and includes the Nasadiya Sukta and Purush Sukta.
• The Purush Sukta pertains to the Varna System.
• Dharmasutra outlines the functions of different Varnas.

Samveda

• Samveda is collections of songs largely derived from the Rigveda.
• It is the Veda of Chant.
• The Gandharva Veda is the Upaveda of the Sama Veda.

Yajurveda

• Yajurveda details the procedure for performing sacrifices.
• It discusses Daan and Dakshina, leading to Shanti Mantra.
• The Dhanur Veda is the Upaveda of the Yajur Veda.

Atharvaveda

• Atharvaveda is collections of spells and charms, reflecting Aryan and non-Aryan cultures.
• Shilpa Veda is the Upaveda of the Atharva Veda.

Nature of the Vedas

• Although the hymns get attributed to rishis, the Vedas were called apaurusheya, meaning not created by man, and nitya, existing in all eternity.
• Rishis are known as inspired seers, receiving mantras from the Supreme deity.
• Veda Vyasa is traditionally regarded as the compiler of the Vedas.
• Each of the four Vedas has distinct parts: Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka, and Upanishads.
• The Samhitas contain mantras and benedictions.

The Brahmanas

• The Brahmanas contain details about the meaning of Vedic hymns, their applications, and stories of their origins.
• They also contain details about rituals and philosophies.
• Aitareya or Kaushitaki Brahmanas relate to the Rig Veda.
• Tandya and Jaiminiya Brahmanas relate to the Sama Veda.
• Taittiriya and Shatpatha Brahmanas relate to the Yajur Veda.
• Gopath Brahmana relates to the Atharva Veda.

Aranyakas

• The Aranyakas are known as "forest books," written mainly by hermits residing in forests for their students.
• They emphasize meditation rather than sacrifices.
• The Aranyakas oppose sacrifices and many early rituals.
• They are the concluding portion of the Brahmanas and interpret rituals philosophically.

Upanishads

• Upanishads translates to "sit near someone".
• The Upanishads introduce the concepts of ‘Atman’ and ‘Brahman’.
• The core of one's self is the Atman or "soul", not the body or mind.
• The core of all creatures is the Atman and can be experienced through meditation.
• The Upanishads prioritize knowledge over sacrificial ceremonies.
• The Rig Veda deals with ritualistic (Karmakanda) and philosophical aspects.
• Ritualistic aspects are elaborated in the Brahmanas, and philosophical aspects in the Upanishads.

Prominent Upanishads

• Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: Features a dialogue between Yagya Valkya and Gargi on Atma and Parmatma.
• Chandogya Upanishad: Earliest reference to Krishna.
• Mandukyopanishad: Contains the phrase "Satyamev Jayate".
• Katho-Panishad: Includes a dialogue between Yama and Nachiketa on the futility of sacrifices.
• Taittiriya Upanishad: Contains the saying "Atithi Devo Bhava".
• Maha Upanishad: Contains the phrase "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", meaning "the world is one family".

Vedanga

• Vedangas are the "limbs of the Vedas".
• The 6 Vedangas are Shiksha (Phonetics), Kalpa (Ritualistic science), Jyotisha (Astronomy), Vyakaran (grammar), Nirukta (Etymology), and Chhanda (Metrics).

Puranas

• Puranas means "ancient" or "old".
• They include texts related to Vishnu, Brahma, Narada, Padma, Garuda, Matsya, Kurma, Shiva, Agni, Bhagavata, and numerous Upapuranas (secondary Puranas).
• There are a total of 18 Puranas.
• Puranas are considered post-Vedic texts.
• Vedas equal Shruti, meaning "that which is heard".
• Puranas equal Smriti texts, meaning "that which is remembered".

Original Home and Identity of Aryans

• Aryans spoke Indo-European languages, including Sanskrit.
• The theory that Aryans came from Eurasia (East of Alps) was given by Dr. Max Muller.
• Their earliest life was mainly pastoral.
• Agriculture was their secondary occupation.
• They didn't live a settled life.
• Horses played a key role in invasions.
• They first appeared in Iran on their way to India.
• Knowledge of Aryans comes from the Rig Veda.
• The Rig Veda is the earliest specimen of Indo-European Language.

Rig Vedic Period

• The Rig Vedic Period featured prayers offered to Gods (Agni, Indra, Varuna, Mitra, etc).
• The Rig Veda has ten mandals/books, with the 2nd to 7th being the earliest portions.
• Mandals 1, 8, 9, and 10 were added later.
• The Rig Veda and Avesta, the oldest text in Iranian Language, have many common things.
• Aryan names are mentioned in Kassite Inscriptions (1600 BC) and Mitanni Inscriptions (1400 BC) found in Iraq, indicating a branch of Aryans moved west.
• Aryans came to India a little earlier than 1500 BC

Geographical Context of Early Aryans

• The earliest Aryans lived in Eastern Afghanistan, Punjab, Fringes of Western UP.
• The Nadisukta hymn of the Rigveda mentions 21 rivers, including the Ganga in the east and Kubha (Kabul) in the west.
• Prominent rivers included the Kubha, Indus, and its five tributaries, with the Saraswathi being notable.
• River Sindhu was also known as Indus and was considered of prime importance.
• The Aryans used swords, axes, bronze dirks and sourced Copper from Khetri Mines
• The Land of Seven Rivers is the region where Aryans settled when they first arrived in India.
• Aryans came in several waves starting from 1500 BC.

Conflicts and Social Dynamics

• There were conflicts between Dasas and Dasyus.
• Dasas were a branch of early Aryans (Iranian Texts).
• Dasyus were the original inhabitants.
• Divodasa (of the Bharat Clan) defeated Sambaia.
• Trasadasyu, an Aryan Chief, overpowered Dasyus.
• Dasyuhatya gets mentioned repeatedly in Rigveda.
• Dasyus practiced Phallus worship and did not keep cattle for diary products.
• Aryan chiefs were soft towards Dasas but hostile towards Dasyus.

Tribal conflicts and warfare

• Indra is termed Purandra (Breaker of Forts).
• The main reason for the Aryans' success was the use of chariots driven by horses.
• Aryans introduced chariots to India.
• They used Coat of Mail (Verman) and better arms made of bronze.
• Tribal conflicts were prevelant with Pre Aryans (Inter Tribal) and Amongst themselves (Intra Tribal).
• Panchjana: Aryans were divided into five tribes.
• The Bharata and Tristu ruling Aryan Clans were supported by Priest Vashishtha.

Battle of 10 Kings

• The Bharata tribe was opposed by 10 kings, including 5 heads of Aryan Tribes and 5 Non-Aryan Tribes.
• The battle was fought on River Parushni, now River Ravi.
• The Victory was of Sudas.
• It established the Supremacy of Bharatas (Defeat of Purus).

Material Life

• Bronze arms (Copper from Khetri) were used.
• There was a better knowledge of agriculture.
• Plowshare gets mentioned in the earliest part of Rigveda and was made of wood.
• Different seasons were known.
• Pastoral people get mentioned.
• There existed references to cows.
• Most of wars were fought for cows.
• Cows were the most important form of wealth.
• Gavisthi meant term for war and equalled search for cows.
• Gifts to priests were in terms of cows and women slaves.
• Land measurements were not in terms of land.
• Land did not form a well established type of Private Property.
• The Rigveda mentioned professions like carpenter, chariot maker, weaver, potter.
• Ayas equalled Copper/Bronze, indicating Knowledge of Metal Working.
• There was no clear evidence of existence of Trade.
• Samudra gets mentioned and meant collection of water.
• People did not live in cities.
• Settlement was Probabl in Fortified Mud Settlements.
• A site in Bhagwanpura (HR) showed Painted Grey Ware but No Iron.
• From 1600 BC to 1000 BC saw a Pre Iron Phase of PGW coinciding with Rigvedic phase.
• 13 Room Mud House and extensive cattle bones were discovered.

Tribal Polity

• The central figure was the Tribal Chief / Rajan, who provided successful leadership in war.
• Although the King's post was hereditary, it did not have unlimited power.
• There were traces of election by Samiti, a tribal assembly.
• The King was Protector of Tribe/ its cattle/ fought wars and offered prayer to god.
• Tribal assemblies included Sabha, Samiti, Gana, and Vidatha.
• Tribal assemblies provided a Deliberative, Military, Religious functions.
• Women attended the Sabha and Vidatha.
• The Sabha and Samiti were the most important.
• In the Samiti, anyone could speak his mind about the problem.
• The Sabha was a smaller assembly of selected people.
• In day-to-day administration, the King was assisted by Purohita, Vashishta, and Vishwamitra.
• Senani gets mentioned.
• There was no system of tax collection.
• Bali: Voluntary offerings.
• Distribution of Presents and Spoils of war got made in some Vedic assemblies.
• No officer Justice Administration got made.
• There were Dutas and Spies.
• Vrajapati was an officer who has authority over Pasture Ground.
• He led the heads of families, the Kulapas or Gramini, to battle.
• There was No regular/Standing Army.
• Military functions were performed by different tribal groups (Jana/Grama/Sharda).
• Government was in a tribal system.
• The Military element was strong.
• There was No Civil system or Territorial administration, and people migrated from one place to another.

Tribe and Family

• The basis of social structure was kinship.
• People are identified by Clan.
• Primary loyalty was to Tribe.
• Tribal structure moves to jana.
• Kingdom was not established.
• In Rigveda, Janapada / Territory gets not mentioned.
• VIS (Tribe) got divided into Grama (Small tribal units).
• VIS (VAISYA) equalled mass of tribal people.
• Grama fought with other Grama, resulting in SANGRAMA.
• Kula (Family) gets mentioned rarely.
• The Griha (Family) was the joint family.
• The family was Patriarchal family headed by Father.
• Birth of a Son was desired.
• The aim was to have a Brave Son.
• In Rigveda there was No desire expressed for daughters.
• The Desire was for Children and Cattle.
• Women could attend assemblies.
• They offered sacrifieces with their husbands.
• Women also composed hymns and were respected.
• Some women gets educated, including Lopamudra, Ghosha, Sikta, Alapa
• The instituiton of marriage got established.
• Social structure was Polyandrous.
• There were few instances of a Son being named after Mother, Mamateya
• The practice of Levirate and Widow Remarriage was in use.
• There was No Child Marriage.
• Marriageable Age was 16-17.
• There were Few instances of freedom of marriage.
• The wife served as husband's partner in religious and social ceremonies.
• The father’s property was inherited by the son.
• The daughter could inherit property only if she was the only child of her parents.

Social Divisions

• Varna equals Color.
• Aryans were fair.
• Indigenous people were dark in complexion.
• Colour distinction led to a rise of social order, but there were not racial distinctions.
• The creation of social divisions got influenced due to Conquest of Dasas and Dasyus by Aryans, who as treated as Slaves and Shudras.
• More war booty was given to Tribal Chief and Priest.
• Inequality between social classes was clear.
• Tribal Society got divided into 3 groups - Warriors, Priests, The People following pattern of society in Iran.
• The Fourth Division was the Shudras.
• Division was at the End of Rigvedic Period in the 10th Book of Rig Veda as a Latest additon.
• Mainly women slaves were gifted to Priests.
• Slaves were not used for in Agriculture and for other Productive Activities.
• Division depended based on Occupation, but it was not Sharp.
• There was No discrimination.

Food and Drinks

• Common foods were Milk and its products (curd, butter, and ghee).
• Grain was cooked with milk (kshira-pakamodanam).
• Bread (chappatl) of wheat and barley was eaten mixed with ghee.
• Fish, birds, wild animals like boar, antelopes, and buffaloes were consumed.
• The cow was already deemed aghnya ("not to be killed").
• There was a penalty of death or expulsion from the kingdom for those who kill or injure cows.
• Alcoholic drinks, sura and soma, were consumed.

Rig Vedic Gods

• Gods were personified natural forces.
• They were looked on them as human beings with human/animal attributes.
• The most important divinitiy was Indra as Purandra, the Rain God.
• Agni was in 2nd Position and served as the Intermediate between God and People.
• Varuna was in 3rd Position and served as a supporter to upholds Natural Order.
• Soma was the God of Plants.
• Intoxication drink named got named after Soma.
• Maruts were Storms.
• Female Divinities included Aditi and Usha but were Not Prominent in Rig Vedic time.
• A Patriarchal Set up gets followed, emphasizing More importance to Male God..
• Dominant mode of worship was followed.
• Modes of worship were through recitation of prayers and offering of sacrifices.
• Both collective and Individual prayers found use.
• Originally there was Each Tribe with its God.
• Prayers were made by all members of Tribe in the same way for sacrifieces.
• These were Rigvedic Times with No Ritual or Sacrificial Formulae
• Magical Powers of Words was not so important as in Later Vedic Period.
• Worshippers did not worship for Spiritual Upliftment or Ending of miseries.
• Worshippers mainly asked for Praja, Pashu, Food, Wealth, Health and etc.