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:
- Mahisi: The chief queen.
- Privikti: The most neglected queen.
- Paligali: The queen married to the king for political interest.
- Kiventi: The issueless wife.
- 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