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Vedic Civilization: Aryans, Origin, Culture, Traditions, Religions movements
The Vedic Civilization and the Aryans
The Aryan Civilization also known as Vedic Civilization was the culture and traditions of the society prevalent during the Vedic age (1500- 600 BCE). After the decline of Indus Valley civilization by 1500 BCE, the next wave of civilization began to take shape in form of Aryan occupation of Indo-Gangetic plain.
Typically, the age of Aryans is known as the Vedic age because the four major Vedas were created in this time. The word Aryan is derived from the Sanskrit word “Arya” which means noble, not ordinary. They arrived from Russian steppes, as is believed and agreed to by majority historians. It is generally agreed that they spoke Indo-Aryan Language, Sanskrit. They were semi-nomadic, pastoral people, who led a rural life as compared to the urban Harappans.
In Early Vedic Age:
- ‘Kula’ was the basic unit of political organization.
- The Rig Vedic society was basically patriarchal.
- The Rig Vedic Aryans were pastoral, cattle rearing people.
In Later Vedic Age:
- Larger kingdoms by amalgamation formed ‘Mahajanapadas or rashtras‘.
- The Varna system became prevalent- four divisions of society: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras.
- A Brahmin and Kshatriyas occupied a higher position than others.
In India four Veda flourished:
The Rig Veda: Book Of Mantras
The Sama Veda: Book Of Chant
The Yajur Veda: Book Of Ritual
The Atharva Veda: Book Of Spell
