3.1.3 Vedic age notes

1. 3.1.3.1Early Vedic age: the Aryan debate, Rig Vedic geography and tribes

   The early Vedic age (c. 1500–1000 BCE) is known from the Rigveda, which describes a society of cattle-keeping tribes in the north-west, the land of the seven rivers.

   Standard · 4 min · Full course
2. 3.1.3.2Rig Vedic polity: rajan, sabha, samiti and vidatha

   Rig Vedic polity was tribal: a chief (rajan) led a tribe (jana), aided by a priest and army leader and checked by tribal assemblies such as the sabha, samiti and vidatha.

   Standard · 4 min · Full course
3. 3.1.3.3Rig Vedic society, economy and religion

   Early Vedic society was patriarchal and pastoral, with cattle as wealth; people worshipped nature gods through prayer and sacrifice, and women had a relatively respected place.

   Standard · 4 min · Full course
4. 3.1.3.4Later Vedic polity and economy: kingdoms, iron and agriculture

   In the later Vedic age (c. 1000–600 BCE) the centre of culture moved to the upper Ganga basin, iron and settled farming spread, and tribal chiefdoms grew into larger territorial kingdoms with hereditary kings and elaborate royal sacrifices.

   Standard · 5 min · Full course
5. 3.1.3.5Later Vedic society and religion: varna, ashramas and sacrifices

   Society in the later Vedic age hardened into four varnas with Brahmanas on top, women's status declined, ritual became elaborate, and the Upanishads began to question ritual in favour of knowledge.

   Standard · 4 min · Full course
6. 3.1.3.6Vedic literature: Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads and Vedangas

   Vedic literature has four layers: the Samhitas (hymns and formulae), Brahmanas (ritual explanation), Aranyakas (forest texts) and Upanishads (philosophy), supported by six Vedangas.

   Standard · 4 min · Full course
7. 3.1.3.7Six schools of Indian philosophy

   The six orthodox (astika) schools accept the authority of the Vedas and differ on logic, matter, self, ritual and the nature of Brahman.

   Standard · 4 min · Full course

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