VEDIC CIVILISATION
5.1 EARLY VEDIC AGE
The Vedic period, or Vedic age (1500–c. 500 BCE), is the period in India's history between the end of the Indus Valley Civilisation and the beginning of a second urbanisation in the central Indo-Gangetic Plain 600 BCE, when the Vedic literature, including the Vedas (1300–900 BCE), was composed in the northern Indian subcontinent. The early Vedic period is said to have begun around the second millennium BCE. Following the fall of the Indus Valley Civilisation about 1900 BCE, tribes of Indo-Aryan peoples moved into north- western India and began to settle in the northern Indus Valley.
Vedic Literature
The term "Veda" comes from the root "vid," which meaning "to know." To put it another way, the phrase 'Veda' means superior wisdom.
The four Vedas — Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva – makeup Vedic literature. The Rig Veda has 1028 hymns and is the oldest of the four Vedas.
The hymns were written to honour numerous gods. The Yajur Veda contains a number of laws that must be followed during sacrifice.
The Sama Veda is tuned specifically for chanting during sacrifice. The book of chants is where the origins of Indian music can be found.
The Atharva Veda includes ceremonial information.
Other sacred books include the Brahmanas, Upanishads, Aranyakas, and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, in addition to the Vedas.
The treatises on prayer and sacrificial ceremonial are known as the Brahmanas.
The Upanishads are philosophical works that address topics such as the soul, the absolute, the genesis of the universe, and nature's secrets.
The woodland literature, or Aranyakas, deal with mysticism, ceremonies, rituals, and sacrifices. Valmiki wrote the Ramayana, while Vedavyas wrote the Mahabharata.
Rig Vedic Period (1500 BC – 1000 BC)
The Aryans were primarily restricted to the Indus region throughout the Rig Vedic era. Saptasindhu, or the country of seven rivers, is mentioned in the Rig Veda.
This comprises the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers in Punjab, as well as the Indus and Saraswathi rivers.
The Rigvedic period, also known as the Early Vedic period, is the first stage, while the Later Vedic period is the second.
The production of the Rigvedic hymns relates to the age of the Early Vedic era. This date is estimated to be between 1500 and 1000 BC.
Between 1000 and 600 BC, the later Vedic era occurs.
Rig Vedic Period - Political Organisation
The kula, or family, was the main unit of political structure.
Several families came together to establish a community, or grama, based on their kinship.
Grama's chieftain was known as gramani. Visu was a bigger entity made up of many settlements. Vishayapati was in charge. Jana, or tribe, was the highest political unit.
During the Rig Vedic period, there were various tribal kingdoms such as the Bharatas, Matsyas, Yadus, and Purus.
The rajan, or king, was the ruler of the country. The Rig Vedic state was typically monarchical, with hereditary succession.
In his governance, the monarch was helped by purohita, or priest, and senani, or army leader. The Sabha and the Samiti were two popular bodies. The former appears to have been an elders' council, while the latter appears to have been a general assembly of the entire people.
Rig Vedic Period - Social Life
The society of the Rig Vedic was patriarchal. The family, or graham, was the main unit of society. The family's head was known as grahapathi.
Polygamy was common among the royal and noble families, although monogamy was the norm.
The woman was in charge of the household and attended all of the main events.
Women were offered the same spiritual and intellectual growth chances as males.
During the Rig Vedic period, women poets such as Apala, Viswavara, Ghosa, and Lopamudra existed.
Women were allowed to participate in the popular assemblies. There were no child marriages, and sati was not practised.
Cotton and woollen upper and lower garments were worn by both men and women.
Both men and women wore a variety of ornaments. Wheat and barley, milk and its derivatives such as curd and ghee, vegetables and fruits were the main dietary items.
Because the cow was a holy animal, consuming its meat was forbidden.
The most popular hobbies were chariot racing, horse racing, dicing, music, and dancing.
During the Rig Vedic period, social divides were less strict than they were later in the Vedic period.
Rig Vedic Period - Economic Condition
The Rig Vedic Aryans were pastoral people who raised cattle as their major source of income. Their wealth was calculated based on the number of cattle they had. They began to cultivate agriculture after permanently settling in North India.
They were able to remove woods and put additional territories under agriculture thanks to their expertise and usage of iron.
Another prominent occupation was carpentry, which was profitable due to the abundance of wood from the cut woods.
Chariots and ploughs were made by carpenters. Metal workers created a wide range of items out of copper, bronze, and iron.
Spinning, which produced cotton and woollen cloths, was another major profession. Ornaments were created by goldsmiths.
The potters created a wide range of home containers.
Another key economic activity was trade, with rivers serving as vital modes of transportation.
The barter system was used to conduct trade. Gold coins known as nishka were later utilised as a medium of trade in huge transactions.
Rig Vedic Period - Religion
Earth, fire, wind, rain, and thunder were all revered by the Rig Vedic Aryans.
They made gods out of these natural forces and worshipped them.
Prithvi (Earth), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Wind), Varuna (Rain), and Indra (Thunder) were significant Rig Vedic gods.
During the early Vedic period, Indra was the most popular of them all.
Following Indra in significance was Agni, who was seen as a link between the gods and the humans.
Varuna was intended to keep the natural order in place. Aditi and Ushas, for example, were female gods.
During the early Vedic period, there were no temples or idol worship.
The gods were prayed to in the hopes of receiving benefits. Offerings included ghee, milk, and grain.
Important Rig vedic Gods
Rig vedic Gods | Significance |
Indra | - Indra is the most often mentioned god in the Rigveda.
- He is revered for his abilities and for slaying the great evil (a malicious form of asura) Vritra, who stood in the way of human wealth and happiness.
- Indra defeats Vritra and his "deceiving powers," ushering in rain and sunshine as mankind's rescuer.
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Agni | - Along with Indra and Soma, Agni is a significant and frequently invoked deity in Vedic literature.
- Agni is the gods' and goddesses' mouths, as well as the conduit via which gifts are sent to them in an homa (votive ritual).
- In ancient Hindu literature, he is described as existing on three levels: on the ground as fire, in the atmosphere as lightning, and in the sky as the sun.
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Soma | - Soma is a sacred drink among the early Vedic Indo-Aryans, according to Vedic tradition.
- It is mentioned in the Rigveda, specifically in the Soma Mandala.
- It is the Persian counterpart of the haoma.
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Ashvins | - The Ashvins, also known as Ashwini Kumara, are Hindu twin gods of medicine, health, dawn, and knowledge.
- They are characterised in the Rigveda as young celestial twin horsemen who ride in a chariot carried by never-tired horses and are regarded as guardian deities who protect and save mankind by assisting them in various situations.
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Varuna | - Varuna is a Vedic god who is linked with the sky, the oceans, Justice, and Satya(truth).
- He is mentioned in Hinduism's earliest Vedic literature, such as the Rigveda's song.
- In the Tamil grammatical text Tolkappiyam, he is referred to as Kadalon, the deity of the sea and rain.
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Maruts | - The Maruts, also known as the Marutagana and frequently confused with the Rudras, are storm gods and sons of Rudra and Prisni in Hinduism.
- The Maruts are a group of adolescent warriors who serve as Indra's companions in Vedic mythology.
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Ushas | - In Hinduism, Ushas is a Vedic goddess of dawn.
- She is mentioned several times in the Rigvedic hymns.She is mentioned several times in the Rigvedic hymns.
- In the Rig Veda, Ushas is the most elevated goddess, yet she is not as significant or central as the three male Vedic deities Agni, Soma, and Indra.
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Rudra | - Rudra is a Rigvedic god who is linked to the wind, storms, Vayu medicine, and hunting.
- 'The roarer' is one translation of the name. Rudra is described as the "mightiest of the mighty" in the Rigveda.
- Rudra means "one who eliminates issues at their source."
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Aditi | - In Hinduism, Aditi is a significant Vedic deity. She is the embodiment of the vast and endless universe.
- Motherhood, unconsciousness, the past, future, and fertility are all goddesses to her.
- She is the mother of the adityas, or celestial deities, and is also regarded as the mother of numerous deities.
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Adityas | - Adityas is the Hindu term for the progeny of Aditi, the goddess who represents infinity.
- In the singular, Aditya is said to allude to the sun deity Surya.
- They are mentioned in the Rig Veda.
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5.2 LATER VEDIC AGE
In the Later Vedic Period, the Aryans pushed further east. The Satapatha Brahmana describes Aryan spread to the eastern Gangetic plains. The Aryans fully subjugated the rich plains nourished by the Yamuna, Ganges, and Sadanira rivers during the Later Vedic Age. They migrated through the Vindhyas and settled in the Deccan, north of Godavari.
In the Later Vedic Period, the Aryans went even further east. The Satapatha Brahmana alludes to the spread of Aryans to the eastern Gangetic plains.
Several tribal groupings and kingdoms are referenced in later Vedic literature. The expansion of big kingdoms was a significant development during this time period.
In the beginning, the Kuru and Panchala kingdoms prospered. Kuru's prominent rulers were Parikshat and Janamejaya.
Pravahana Jaivali was a well-liked Panchalas ruler.
He was a supporter of education. Following the collapse of the Kurus and Panchalas, other kingdoms such as Kosala, Kasi, and Videha rose to prominence. Kasi's most notable ruler was Ajatasatru.
Janaka ruled Videha, which had its capital at Mithila. Yajnavalkya, a scholar, ornamented his court.
The easternmost tribal kingdoms appear to be Magadha, Anga, and Vanga.
Later Vedic scriptures also allude to India's three divisions: Aryavarta (northern India), Madhyadesa (middle India), and Dakshinapatha (east India) (southern India).
During this time, two further collections were composed: the Yajur Veda Samhita and the Atharva Veda Samhita.
The hymns in the Yajur Veda are accompanied with rites that represent the society's sociopolitical framework.
The Atharva Veda contains charms and spells meant to stave against evil. They mirrored the non-Aryan ideas and customs.
The Samhitas were followed by the Brahmanas, a collection of literature that discussed the social and religious components of rites.
Iron Culture
Iron became popular about 1000 BC and was discovered within tombs in Pakistan and Baluchistan. From circa 800 BC, iron was utilised to produce weapons such as arrowheads and spearheads in Uttar Pradesh.
Later Vedic literature employs the names 'Syama' or 'Krishna ayas' to refer to iron.
Although agriculture was basic, it was widespread, and rice and wheat became more common in the later Vedic period.
The introduction of metals resulted in the growth of several arts and crafts.
Smelters, iron and copper smiths, and carpenters all emerged as occupations.
In the later Vedic period, there were four varieties of pottery: black-and-red ware, black-slipped ware, painted grey ware, and red ware.
Later Vedic Age - Political Organisation
During the later Vedic era, larger kingdoms arose.
In the later Vedic period, many jana or tribes merged to form janapadas or rashtras.
As a result, the royal power grew in tandem with the kingdom's expansion. To bolster his status, the king undertook several ceremonies and sacrifices.
Rajasuya (consecration ceremony), Asvamedha (horse sacrifice), and Vajpeya (chariot race) are among them.
The rulers were also given titles such as Rajavisvajanan, Ahilabhuvanapathi (Lord of the Earth), Ekrat, and Samrat (sole ruler).
In the later Vedic period, in addition to the existing purohita, senani, and gramani, a great number of additional officials were active in administration.
The treasury officer, tax collector, and royal messenger are among them. The village assemblies were in charge of governance at the lowest levels.
During the later Vedic period, the Samiti and Sabha's influence waned.
Later Vedic Age - Economic Condition
Iron was widely used during this time period, allowing humans to remove forests and cultivate additional land.
Agriculture was the primary employment. For farming, improved cultivating equipment was utilised.
In addition to barley, rice and wheat were farmed. Another benefit was knowledge of manure.
Industrial activity became more diverse, and specialisation increased. Metalwork, leatherwork, woodwork, and ceramics all advanced significantly.
Foreign trade expanded in addition to domestic trade.
The Later Vedic people were seafaring and traded with places like Babylon. A class of hereditary merchants (vaniya) emerged.
Vaisyas was also a trader and merchant. They banded together to form ganas, or guilds.
Aside from the Rig Vedic nishka, gold and silver coins such as satamana and krishnala were utilised as mediums of commerce.
Later Vedic Age - Social Life
During the Later Vedic period, the four divisions of society (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras), or the Varna system, were completely established.
The Brahmin and Kshatriya castes had benefits that the Vaisya and Shudra classes did not.
A Brahmin had a greater standing than a Kshatriya, yet Kshatriyas often claimed superiority over Brahmins.
During this time, many sub-castes based on employment emerged.
During the Later Vedic period, the father's authority in the family grew. There was no progress in women's status.
They were still regarded as inferior and subservient to males.
Women's political rights to attend assemblies were likewise revoked. Child marriages were becoming more widespread.
A daughter, according to the Aitareya Brahmana, is a cause of unhappiness. Women in the royal household, on the other hand, had significant advantages.
Later Vedic Age - Religion
Early Vedic gods such as Indra and Agni lost their significance.
During the Later Vedic era, Prajapathi (the creator), Vishnu (the protector), and Rudra (the destroyer) rose to prominence.
Sacrifices remained significant, and the rites associated with them grew more intricate.
Prayers became less important as sacrifices became more important. Priesthood became a profession, and it became hereditary.
The priestly elite created and elaborated on sacrificial formulas.
As a result, at the conclusion of this time, there was a significant pushback against priestly rule as well as sacrifices and rites.
These elaborate sacrifices were directly responsible for the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism.
Furthermore, the writers of the Upanishads, the heart of Hindu philosophy, rejected needless rituals in favour of pure knowledge (jnana) for serenity and salvation.
Vedas
- Veda refers to divine spiritual wisdom. Because they contained the ultimate spiritual wisdom, the Vedas were deemed infallible.
- The Vedas were first passed down orally.
- The word 'Veda' comes from the Sanskrit word 'Vid,' which means 'to understand.'
- The Vedas are primarily a collection of prayers and songs delivered to numerous gods by several lineages of poets and sagas.
- In the sense that they represent the oral tradition of the period, these four Vedas are likewise 'Samhitas' (collections).
- The hymns were not recorded until they were better composed because they were intended to be read, learned, and transferred orally.
- As a result, it is impossible to date any of the Samhitas with full confidence.
- Each Samhita is a compilation of texts spanning several centuries.
- Shruti and Smriti are the two major categories of Vedic literature. Shruti means "that which has been heard" and is regarded as everlasting.
- It is canonical, consisting of revelation and irrefutable truth.
- Shruti refers to the sacred books that make up Hinduism's primary canon, such as the Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads.
- Smriti literally translates to "that which is recalled, additional, and subject to change through time."
- It is only authoritative to the degree that it follows Shruti and encompasses the complete body of post- Vedic Classical Sanskrit literature.
- Vedanga, Shad darshana, Puranas, Itihasa, Upveda, Tantras, Agamas, and Upangas are all part of it.
- These were written down in four Vedas:
- The Rig Veda: Book Of Mantras
- The Sama Veda: Book Of Chant
- The Yajur Veda: Book Of Ritual
- The Atharva Veda: Book Of Spell
The Rig Veda
- The Rigveda is the earliest Vedic Sanskrit literature and is thought to have been written between 1800 and 1100 BCE.
- The Rigveda, or 'Veda of Verses,' is the oldest of them, consisting of roughly 1000 hymns dedicated to various deities and organised primarily to satisfy the requirements of the priestly families who were the caretakers of holy literature.
- Rigveda literally translates to "verses of understanding."
- It is made up of 1028 hymns organised into ten volumes called "mandalas."
- All of these hymns are devoted to Vedic gods like Agni (god of fire), Indra (lord of sky), Mitra, Varuna (God of Water), Surya (Sun), and others, and have a purpose.
- It is also regarded as mankind's "First Testament." It was written about the year 1700 BC.
- Between 1500 and 1200 BC, the last hymns were written. It's a hymn compilation from several priest families.
- It is divided into ten volumes known as Mandalas. The first and tenth Mandalas are the shortest and longest books, respectively.
- The second through seventh Mandalas are the oldest but shortest volumes in the Rig-Veda. The ages in the eighth and ninth volumes are mixed.
- The rivers Yamuna, Sarasvati, and Haripriya are referenced in the sixth mandala. 6.61 is fully dedicated to Sarasvati, whereas 6.45.31 is totally dedicated to Ganga.
- There are 103 hymns devoted to Indra, Agni, Asvins, Maruts, Varunas, Mitra-Varunas, Vishwa Devas, and Somas in each of the Eight Mandalas.
Yajur Veda
- Yajurveda was written at the same period as the Samaveda, from 1100 to 800 BCE.
- Yajurveda is the book of sacrificial prayers, and "Yajus" means "sacrificial formula."
- The Yajnas' practices are contained inside it. It is thought to have been written between the years 1,400 and 1000 BC.
- It lays forth the procedures for conducting various sacrifices. It was Adhvaryus's handbook.
- Yajurveda contains the world's earliest Indo-European written literature. This Veda exists in two distinct versions. The directions for rites are mixed up with passages from the Rig-Veda in the earliest.
- The Taitttiriyans, a school of instructors, is the primary source of this information. This was referred to as "Black Yajurveda."
- Later academics known as the Vajasaneyins removed the explanatory material from the poems to be read, and so the white (Shukla) Yajur-Veda was born.
- The inhabitants of Adhvarus prepared the site, and the altar presented sacrificial animals and poured forth libations.
- This means that the Krishna Yajurveda incorporates the Brahmana prose debates inside the Samhita (i.e. it doesn't have any Brahmana), but the Shukla Yajurveda has a distinct Brahmana book, the Satapatha Brahmana.
Sama Veda
- The Samaveda has its origins in the period 1200-800 BCE.
- "Saman" signifies melody, and it comprises a Rhythmic Hymns of Rigveda collection.
- It follows the Rigveda in terms of holiness and liturgical significance.
- It comprises 1549 songs intended to be chanted by a certain class of Brahmans known as "Udgatris" during the soma sacrifice.
- It is regarded as the "Veda of Melodies" since it teaches about songs.
- It has 1,549 liturgical lines, 6 adhyayas, and is based on the study of basic Upanishads such as the Chandogya Upanishad and the Kena Upanishad.
- These Upanishads have influenced six Hindu philosophical traditions, mainly Vedanta.
- The Sama Veda is vital to the survival of dance and music traditions in our world.
Atharva Veda
- The Atharveda was written between 1000 and 800 BCE.
- The Atharva-Veda is distinct from the other three Vedas and is the fourth in chronological order.
- It is significant and fascinating because it portrays the common beliefs and superstitions of the common people.
- The Atharvaveda contains magic spells and integrates much of the early healing and magical practices seen in other Indo-European literatures.
- It was not classified in the category of the Vedas for a long time.
- Atharvan was a mythical Rishi who is credited for singing the Atharvaveda. He is also credited with inventing the yagna, or fire sacrifice.
- The Atharvaveda was primarily formed of two groups of rishis known as the Atharvanas and the Angirasa, thus the name Atharva Angirasa.
- It is divided into 20 volumes and contains 730 hymns and 6000 mantras. It is referred to as the "Veda of Magical Formulas."
- The Athar Veda may be used to learn about royal rites and priestly responsibilities.
- The Brahmana texts are included in the last layer, which also includes philosophical thoughts.
- It also contains three fundamental Upanishads, which influenced the major Hindu philosophical systems.
Significance of Vedas
- The Vedas are regarded as one of Hinduism's most revered scriptures.
- They are said to be among the oldest texts in the world.
- Veda is regarded as a treasure trove of wisdom and information.
- Vedas are everlasting and vibrate in the universe of Brahmans' outer dimensions, it is said.
- They are interested in the nature of God and are not limited to any one God or concept.
- The concept of 'Vedas,' according to ancient sages, has always been and exists beyond time. The Vedas were typically passed down verbally from generation to generation until they were written down between 1500 and 500 BCE, when India was known as the Vedic Period.
- Hymns are an important aspect of the Vedas, and they must be recited with grandeur since they have spiritual importance.
- The chants generate positive vibes that promote health and healing. It may be described as a healing encounter.
- A fascinating feature about the Vedas is that, in addition to the words, the sound of the mantras carries meaning.
- The sound and lyrics have been inextricably linked throughout time, resisting corruption and mutation.
- The truth about the unknown and eternity is taught in the Vedas.
- They describe the universe's genesis, preservation, and eventual disintegration.
- The Vedas also address the soul's growth, including its evolution, destiny, bonding, and freedom. Liberation, like annihilation, is unavoidable.
- The Vedas' principal purpose is to bridge the gap between a supersensuous dimension that is impervious to human intellect and a man's ordinary state of awareness.
- The Vedas argue that there is a deep connection between matter and spirit, the universe and living beings, and that these connections hold the answers to all worldly issues.
Brahmanas
- The Brahmanas are a part of sruti literature in Hinduism.
- Each Veda is accompanied by a Brahmana, which is essentially a collection of texts with commentaries on the specific Veda.
- They are typically a mix of legends, facts, philosophy, and in-depth explanations of Vedic rituals.
- They also include instructions on how to properly perform rituals and explain the science of sacrifice.
- They also explain the symbolic meaning of the sacred words used in rituals.
- Although historians disagree on the dating of the Brahmanas, it is generally assumed to have been written and compiled between 900 and 700 BC.
Veda | Accompanying Brahmana |
Rig Veda | - Aitareya Brahmana
- Kaushitaki Brahmana
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Sama Veda | - Tandya Mahabrahmana
- Sadvimsha Brahmana
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Yajur Veda | - Taittiriya Brahmana
- Shatpatha Brahmana
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Atharva Veda | - Gopatha Brahmana
- Jaimaniya Brahmana
- Panchvish Brahmana
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Aranyakas
- The Aranyakas are texts related to the Vedas that describe the Vedic rituals and sacrifices from various perspectives.
- They are said to be assemblages of ritualistic information on the birth and death cycles, as well as the complexities of the soul.
- It is claimed that they were taught by holy and learned men known as Munis, who preferred to live within the boundaries of the forests.
Upanishads
- The term Upanishad or u (at), pa (foot), ni (down), and s(h)ad (to sit), i.e., to sit near (the teacher), completely describes the text.
- We have over 200 known Upanishads, and the teacher usually passed them down verbally to his students while they sat in front of him in the forest.
- This custom was a part of guru-shishya parampara.
- These are Sanskrit treatises that give an account of the Vedas in primarily monastic and mystical terms.
- They are also known as Vedanta or the 'end (anta) of the Vedas' because they are generally the last part of the Vedas.
- The Upanishads are said to contain the "truth" about human life and to point the way to salvation, or moksha.
- They continue to discuss the abstract and philosophical problems that mankind faces, particularly the origin of the universe, the supposed origin of mankind, the life and death cycle, and man's material and spiritual quests.
- The Muktika Canon is a collection of 108 Upanishads drawn from the above-mentioned 200 Upanishads.
- This is a significant canon because the number 108 corresponds to the number of beads on a Hindu rosary or mala.
- The teachings of the Upanishads have been incorporated into Hinduism's founding rituals.
- There is a minor distinction between the Upanishads and the Aranyakas, which is classified as follows:
Upanishad | Aranyaka |
Jnana-kanda | Karma-kanda |
Knowledge/spirituality section | Ritualistic actions/sacrifice section |
Varna System
- People were classified according to their Varna or castes in ancient India during the Vedic Period (c. 1500-1000 BCE).
- 'Varna' signifies the colour, kind, order, or class of individuals and specifies their ancestral roots.
- Brahmins (priests, gurus, etc.), Kshatriyas (warriors, kings, administrators, etc.), Vaishyas (agriculturalists, traders, etc.,sometimes known as Vysyas), and Shudras (labourers) are the four main types.
- Each Varna has its own set of life principles to follow, and infants must adhere to the Varna's core customs, norms, behaviour, and beliefs.
- These four Varnas make up a community, and their devotion to the Varna laws ensures that wealth and order are maintained.
- Individual interests and personal preferences are treated with equal solemnity by a newborn in a certain Varna, in order to resolve the contradiction between personal choice and conventional regulations.
- Given this freedom, a deviant decision is always evaluated for its impact on others.
- Each Varna citizen's rights are constantly paired with their own obligations.
- The Manu Smriti (an ancient legal treatise from the Vedic Period) and subsequent Dharma Shastras have an extended Varna system with insights and logic.
- In theory, Varnas are not pure and undeniable lineages, but rather categories, implying that behaviour takes precedence over birth in determining a Varna.
Four principal categories:
Brahmins
- Brahmins were respected as the embodiment of wisdom, gifted with the commandments and sermons that were to be delivered to all Varnas of society.
- The Brahmin community consisted of priests, gurus, rishis, instructors, and academics.
- They would always follow the Brahmacharya (celibacy) vow that had been imposed on them.
- Even married Brahmins were referred to as Brahmachari (celibate) because they engaged in sexual activity only for the sake of reproduction while staying mentally detached from the act.
- Because they symbolise the link between divine knowledge and the four Varnas, Brahmins were the first option as instructors for the newborn.
- Because ancestral wisdom is preserved via guru-disciple practice, all citizens born in each Varna will remain anchored to the needs of their life.
- Contrary to common assumption, Brahmin women were more venerated for their purity and treated with unmatched respect by their spouses.
- A Brahmin lady must only marry another Brahmin, according to Manu Smriti, although she is free to pick the male.
Kshatriyas
- The warrior clan, monarchs, territorial rulers, administrators, and so on were all Kshatriyas.
- Weaponry, warfare, penance, austerity, administration, moral behaviour, justice, and rule were all essential skills for a Kshatriya.
- From an early age, all Kshatriyas would be sent to a Brahmin's ashram until they were fully equipped with the necessary knowledge.
- They would obtain administrative expertise in addition to the austerities of the Brahmins.
- Their primary responsibility was to defend their area, defend against attacks, administer justice, govern virtuously, and provide peace and happiness to all of their people, and they would seek advice from their Brahmin gurus on problems of territorial sovereignty and ethical difficulties.
- Kshatriya women, like their male counterparts, were trained in masculine disciplines, were well-versed in battle, had the authority to perform responsibilities in the king's absence, and were well-versed in kingdom matters.
Vaishyas
- Agriculturalists, traders, money lenders, and people concerned in business make up the Vaishya Varna.
- Vaishyas are likewise twice-born and attend the Brahmins' ashram to study the norms of virtuous living and to avoid intentional or unintentional misbehaviour.
- Cattle husbandry was one of the Vaishyas' most prestigious jobs, since the quantity and quality of a kingdom's cows, elephants, and horses, as well as their care, influenced the residents' quality of life and prosperity.
- Vaishyas would work closely with the kingdom's authorities to discuss, execute, and continually improve living conditions by creating profitable commercial opportunities.
- Because their lives expose them to items of rapid enjoyment, their proclivity to disregard the law and detest the vulnerable is assumed.
- As a result, the Kshatriya ruler would be preoccupied with addressing issues arising from Vaishya wars.
- Vaishya women, like their husbands, helped them in business, cattle raising, and agriculture, and shared the load of labour.
- They were equally free to pick a partner from the four Varnas, however choosing a Shudra was vigorously opposed.
Shudras
The last Varna forms the backbone of a flourishing economy, and they are valued for their obedient performance of life's responsibilities.
Scholarly perspectives on Shudras are the most diverse, owing to the fact that their behaviour appears to be more restricted.
The Atharva Veda, on the other hand, enables Shudras to hear and memorise the Vedas by memory, and the Mahabharata, too, encourages Shudras to join ashrams and learn the Vedas.
A Shudra male could only marry another Shudra, while a Shudra woman might marry from any of the four Varnas.
Shudras would work in the ashrams of the Brahmins, the palaces and royal camps of the Kshatriyas, and the commercial operations of the Vaishyas.
Despite the fact that they are the feet of the primal entity, knowledgeable people of higher Varnas would always view them as an important part of society, because an ordered society would be readily jeopardised if the feet were weak.
Shudras, on the other hand, obeyed their lords' commands because they knew they may achieve moksha by performing their allotted chores, which motivated them to be loyal.
Shudra women also worked as the queen's attendants and intimate companions, and would accompany her to other countries after marriage.
Many Shudras were also permitted to work as farmers, traders, and in Vaishya vocations.
However, these deviations from life responsibilities would only be taken under exceptional circumstances, such as while seeing deteriorating economic conditions.
The Shudras' selflessness earns them unparalleled admiration and esteem.