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The Vedic Civilization arose in ancient India between 1500 and 600 BCE, known for the practice of Vedic religion and the composition of the Vedas. These sacred texts form the foundation of Hinduism, serving as compilations of cosmic knowledge and shaping Indian culture and civilization.
Derived from the root "vid" meaning "to know", the term Veda refers to the sacred knowledge in the Vedic texts. The four Vedas are:
Each Veda consists of four parts, each serving a different purpose:
The Vedic Aryans, authors of the Vedic hymns, migrated from the Steppes of southern Russia and Central Asia to northwest India. Over time, they became known as Indo-Aryans, distinct from the non-Aryan Harappans of the preceding period.
Archaeological evidence, such as from the Andronovo culture, supports the Aryan migration to India. In their early years, the Vedic Aryans lived in the region called Sapta-Sindhu, covering present-day Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Afghanistan and Kashmir. Over time, they expanded eastward to eastern Uttar Pradesh and northern Bihar.
The Vedic period (1500-600 BCE) is divided into two phases: the Early Vedic period (1500-1000 BCE) and the Later Vedic period (1000-600 BCE). Key sites of this period include settlements from post-Harappan and Chalcolithic cultures.
Early Vedic Period: The chief social unit was the Jana, governed by a Rajan (chief), with tribal assemblies such as sabha and samiti playing a role in decision-making.
Later Vedic Period: The concept of Janapada (territorial state) emerged, with the Rajan becoming a hereditary position. Assemblies like the Sabha became more prominent, and taxes such as Bhaga and Shulka were introduced.
Early Vedic Period: Society was egalitarian, with clan-based relations. Women had the freedom to participate in assemblies and were educated.
Later Vedic Period: The Varna system (Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras) became prominent, and women’s roles were more restricted.
Early Vedic Period: Religion revolved around natural forces, with gods like Indra, Agni, and Varuna. Rituals such as yajnas (sacrificial offerings) were central to worship.
Later Vedic Period: Gods such as Vishnu and Rudra gained prominence, and more elaborate rituals like the Ashvamedha and Rajasuya yajnas were performed.
Early Vedic Period: The economy was primarily based on cattle rearing, with barley as the main grain. Cows were used as a measure of wealth.
Later Vedic Period: Agricultural practices flourished, with rice becoming a staple food. The use of iron technology improved agricultural productivity.
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