Ancient Chapters

1. Harappan Indus Civilization2. Vedic Culture3. Mahajanapada Period4. Religious Movements (Ancient)5. Maurya Period6. Post Maurya Pre Gupta Period7. The Sangam Period8. Gupta Period9. Post Gupta Period Vardhana Dynasty

Vedic Culture

“Vedic culture refers to the traditions, customs, and way of life that developed in India during the Vedic period (1500 BCE – 600 BCE).”

Overview of Vedic Culture

The Vedic period in Indian history is divided into two phases: the Early Vedic Period (1500–1000 BCE) and the Later Vedic Period (1000–600 BCE). It began with the arrival of the Indo-Aryans and the composition of the Rigveda, the oldest known Vedic text. The term 'Veda' means knowledge, and the Vedic literature includes four Vedas: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.

The society during this period was primarily pastoral, later transforming into an agrarian economy. Religious practices were based on nature worship, sacrifices (yajnas), and chants. The language was early Sanskrit, and social structure followed the Varna system.

Key Features of Vedic Culture

  • Four Vedas: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.
  • Rigveda: Oldest Veda composed around 1500 BCE, mainly hymns dedicated to deities like Indra and Agni.
  • Yajna: Sacrificial rituals to please gods and ensure prosperity.
  • Society: Patriarchal and pastoral; Varna system evolved gradually.
  • Women: Had access to education in the early Vedic period but later saw a decline in status.
  • Important Deities: Indra (war), Agni (fire), Varuna (cosmic order), and Soma (plant/god).
  • Later Vedic Period: Rise of kingdoms, expansion of agriculture, complexity in rituals.
  • Literature: Brahmanas (rituals), Aranyakas (forest texts), Upanishads (philosophy).
  • Education: Gurukul system prevalent; oral transmission of knowledge.
  • Economy: Transition from cattle rearing to agriculture and trade.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2018: Which is the oldest Veda?
  • Rigveda
  • RRB NTPC 2020: Who was the chief deity of the Rigvedic Aryans?
  • Indra
  • HSSC 2019: What was the main occupation of the early Vedic people?
  • Cattle rearing
  • SSC JE 2016: Which Veda is related to music?
  • Samaveda
  • UPSC Prelims 2017: What does the term 'Arya' in the Vedic literature refer to?
  • Noble or civilized person
  • SSC GD 2021: What was the unit of society during the Vedic age?
  • Family (Kula)
  • RRB Group D 2019: Which river is most mentioned in the Rigveda?
  • Saraswati
  • HSSC 2020: The 'Purusha Sukta' in the Rigveda refers to what?
  • Origin of Varna system
  • SSC CHSL 2018: Who composed the Gayatri Mantra?
  • Rishi Vishwamitra
  • SSC MTS 2020: What does the term 'Yajna' mean?
  • Ritual sacrifice
  • UP Police 2019: Which metal was first used by Vedic people?
  • Copper
  • RRB ALP 2018: What was the primary drink mentioned in Vedic texts?
  • Soma
  • HSSC 2018: The Upanishads are books of what?
  • Philosophy
  • SSC CPO 2017: The Sabha and Samiti were?
  • Popular assemblies
  • RRB JE 2019: What type of economy was in Vedic period?
  • Barter system
  • SSC JE 2020: What language was used in the Vedas?
  • Sanskrit
  • SSC MTS 2022: What was 'Rita' in the Vedic period?
  • Cosmic order/law
  • RRB Group D 2018: Where was the Vedic culture primarily located?
  • Sapt Sindhu region
  • SSC CHSL 2020: Who were Dasas and Dasyus?
  • Non-Aryan people
  • HSSC 2021: What was the status of women in early Vedic period?
  • Respected and educated
StartPreparation