Economic and Social Life of Aryans: Lifestyle, Difference and Religion

The Aryans’ economic life revolved around agriculture and cattle rearing, with staples like rice and barley forming their diet. Socially, families were central, headed by the father, known as the “Grihapati,” in joint family structures. While they valued noble character, they also had slaves and lower-status individuals. Despite social distinctions, tribal communities maintained some egalitarian principles. Cultural activities like music and dance were integral to their social life.

Economic and Social Life of Aryans

Following the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, another civilization thrived in India, led by people who called themselves Aryas or Aryans. The term ‘Arya’ signified a person of noble character and free birth, and they were part of the larger Indo-European group. Their migration into India was from the northwest.
In early Aryan society, the family held significant importance as both a social and political unit. The father, known as the “Grihapati,” was the head of the family, and joint families were common.

The Aryans had a diverse diet consisting of both vegetable and animal foods. Staple foods included rice, barley, beans, and sesame. Additionally, they consumed bread, cakes, dairy products like milk, ghee, butter, and curd, along with fruits. While they slaughtered animals such as fish, birds, goats, rams, bulls, and horses for food, the slaughter of cows was prohibited. They also indulged in intoxicating liquor called “Sura,” which was a brandy made from corn and barley, as well as the juice of the soma plant.

Economic Life in the Vedic Age

• The main occupation was cattle rearing, and wealth was measured by the number of cattle.
• Agriculture involves clearing forests for cultivation.
• Metals like copper, iron, and bronze were used.
• Some worked as goldsmiths, potters, spinners, and carpenters.
• Taxes were levied as Bali and Bhaga during the Vedic Period.
• Transactions were made using gold coins called Nishka.
• Rivers were utilized for transportation.
• The barter system was common for trade.

Social Life in the Vedic Age

• Society was tribal but egalitarian.
• Aryans were fair-skinned, while the native inhabitants were dark-skinned, creating a social distinction.
• Dasas and Dasyus were considered slaves along with the Shudras.
• Tribal chiefs held superior positions in society.
• Society was divided into warriors, priests, and people following a similar pattern as in Iran, along with Shudras.
• Women slaves were primarily engaged in domestic tasks.
• Division based on occupation was prevalent.
• Rig Veda depicts a patriarchal society where families were headed by Grahapatis.
• Both men and women wore clothes made of cotton and adorned themselves with numerous ornaments.
• Common food items included wheat, barley, milk, and milk products.
• Cows were considered sacred, so consuming their meat was prohibited.
• Entertainment activities included dance, music, chariot racing, and horse racing.
• Upper-class women enjoyed relatively equal rights compared to men.

Marriage Life

• Generally, monogamy was practiced, but polygamy was common in royal families.
• Sati and child marriage were not prevalent, and instances of widow remarriage can be found in the Rig Veda.

Administrative Setup

• Villages, called Gramas, were formed by groups of families or Kulas, led by a Gramani.
• Several villages are made up of a Vis, overseen by a Vishyapati.
• Tribes, or Janas, like Bharatas, Yadus, Matsayas, and Purus, held the highest political authority.
• The king, known as the Rajan, led the Jana and was assisted by priests or army commanders.

Religion in the Vedic Age

• Religion in the Vedic Period:
  -Early Aryans worshipped elemental gods, with Indra, also known as Purandara, the god of rain and destroyer of forts, holding utmost importance.
  -Agni, the fire god, was revered in the second place, followed by Varuna, the water god, in the third position.
  -Other significant elements included Prithvi (earth) and Vayu (wind).
• Female deities like Aditi and Ushas were worshipped as goddesses of dawn.
• In total, there were 33 gods in the Vedic pantheon.
• Worship focused on desires such as children, cattle, food, health, and wealth rather than ending misery.
• Offerings to the gods included milk, vegetables, ghee, and grains.

God and Their Roles

In the Vedic period, gods played crucial roles representing various aspects of nature and existence. Indra brought rain and storms, Agni bridged the divine and human realms, and Varuna upheld natural order. Soma was a sacred drink, Prithvi symbolized the Earth, and Aditi represented eternity. Usha personified dawn, and Savitri embodied divine energy. Each deity held significance in Aryan life, guiding them spiritually and symbolizing cosmic forces.

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