Vedic Literature - Comparison of Social Life

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Comparison of Social Life

A. Status of Women

Rig Vedic Period

  • Equal status was given to the women and they were also entitled for Upnayana.
  • There is reference of 5 women who composed the hymns of Rig Veda includ­ing Visvara, Ghosa, and Apala.
  • The females also observed brahmacharya, which sug­gests absence of child mar­riages according to Atharva Veda. It also suggests that marriages were made after the completion of brahmacharya.
  • Women participated in the social life and religious cer­emonies and also attended the Sabhas and Samiti.
  • There is no mention of Sati. Widow remarriage was prevalent because of a tradi­tion called Niyog according to which a widow could be remarried to her brother-in-law till she got a child from him.

Later Vedic Period

  • Their position started to decline and they could not at­tend the proceedings of the Sabha.
  • According to Satapatha Brahmana, a wife should eat only after the husband has finished eating.
  • According to Brahmana literature, if a man kills his wife he will get the same punishment as for killing a shudra.
  • The women could no longer participate openly in the religious ceremonies.
  • According to Gautama, the girls should be married before their menstruation. Hence child marriages be­came prevalent.
  • The females were ex­cluded from the right of in­heritance, except for the Stridhan which was the wealth given to her during her marriage.
  • Polygamy was prevalent in the upper class. There are references of lots of queens:
    1. Mahisi: The chief queen.
    2. Privikti: The most ne­glected queen.
    3. Paligali: The queen mar­ried to the king for political interest.
    4. Kiventi: The issueless wife.
    5. Maitreya: The scholarly wife.

B. Family

  • Family was a basic unit. It was a patriarchal society.
  • The head of the family was called the Pramukh.

C. Dress and Ornaments

Rig Vedic Period

  • The upper garments were called the Vasa, Paridhan or Uttariya.
  • The mantle was called the Adhivasa, Atka or Drapi.
  • The undergarments were called the Navi or Antariya.

D. Food and Drinks

  • Rice was used extensively but barley was more com­mon in both the times (Rig Vedic and later Rig Vedic Period) .
  • Mustard was used and was called sorshapa.
  • Beans were called Masha, Butter was called Vavneet; Rice- Vrihi, Wheat -Godhum and Barley - Yava.
  • The mixture of milk and cereal was called Apoop.
  • According to some schol­ars, cows were eaten during the Vedic Period but were prohibited later.
  • Women took soma drink, Karambh Daliya (Pulses) -special dish of Pushan.
  • Somras was known by various names: Andhsup, Rasa, Pitu, Piyush and Amrit. In the Yajur Veda it is called Masar. Soma drink was also offered to the ancestors in a rice bowl with pind.

E. Amusement

  • Music. Veena was the most popular instrument. Athambar music both instru­mental and vocal was preva­lent. Instrumental - Dhol and Karkari (veena) , Vocal - nadi and Jhaj.
  • Dance
  • Gambling: Chausar was very popular with the people.
  • Horse Racing
  • Wrestling
  • Chariot Racing was orga­nized during the Rajasuya ceremony.
  • Drama and Painting