QUES . What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? UPSC 2023 GS MAINS PAPER I, 250 words, 15 Marks

HINTS:

The Vedic period, or the Vedic age (c. 1500 – c. 500 BCE), is the period in the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age of the history of India when the Vedic literature, including the Vedas (c. 1500–900 BCE), was composed in the northern Indian subcontinent.

Main features of Vedic society

Vedic society was patriarchal, with men holding dominant roles in both religious and social spheres. People prayed for Praja (son). Women had specific roles but within the household.

Society was based on Kinship and family was the basic unit of the Rigvedic society.

In society, dominance of priestly and ruling class was reflected by Chaturvarna system. The position of
shudras was not good. Dwija tradition allowed only brahmins, kshatriyas and vaishyas to go for upanayana and hence for vedic education.

In early vedic society the caste system was occupational and social mobility was high. However, in later Vedic times caste groups became permanent based on birth and social mobility reduced.

Vedic Society gave a large importance to Vedic literature.

The path of life for individuals was outlined through successive stages of Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (forest-dweller), and Sannyasa (renunciant).

The idea of dharma, or moral duty, was significant in vedic society. Each varna and individual had specific duties and responsibilities based on their caste and stage of life (ashrama).

Monogamous marriages were preferred in the Vedic Society.

Vedic Society did not believe in private property but in community ownership.

The Vedic economy was primarily agrarian, with farming and cattle-rearing being crucial to sustenance. The cow was especially revered as a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Main features of Vedic religion

Vedic society was deeply rooted in rituals and religious ceremonies. These rituals involved offerings to gods, fire ceremonies, and hymn recitations from the Vedas. By Later Vedic Age, more and more rituals emerged. Reaction to rituals also emerged in form of Upanishads.

People worshipped different aspects of nature. For example rain, water, fire, prithvi. Vedic religion was polytheistic, with the worship of numerous deities representing various natural forces and cosmic principles. Indra, Agni, Varuna, and Vishnu were among the prominent gods.

Prayers and yajnas were important. Important yajnas included ashvamedha, vajapeya, and rajasuya.

Vedas were the primary source of religious practices.

Religion was materialistic, moksha was hardly demanded, people demanded Pashu (cattle wealth).

Features of vedic society and religion still prevailing in Indian society

Family is still the basic unit of society, bound around idea of kinship.

Society is still patriarchal especially in religious and cultural matters.

A large portion of Indian society is still agriculturist similar to the Vedic people.

Caste system still exists in practice, impacting social and economic mobility.

There is still prevalence of Varna system.

Like Vedic Society monogamous marriages are still prevalent in Indian society.

The idea of dharma remains relevant, guiding individuals in moral decision-making and fulfilling their social and familial responsibilities.

Rituals and yagyas are still part of religious practices. Indra, Rudra, Varuna, Soma and Vishnu are still considered prominent gods.

Thus, we can say that vedic society and religion still hold importance in modern Indian society but the present Indian society is more flexible and modified than the vedic society.

Also refer : Why ethics of the Vedic Hindus is primarily a god-oriented ethics? https://fotisedu.com/the-ethics-of-the-vedic-hindus-is-primarily-a-god-oriented-ethics-comment/

External link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_Vedic_religion