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.
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.
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.
Indra | Brings rain, thunder, and storms |
Agni | Intermediately between God and one hand of the people |
Varuna | It was supposed to uphold the natural orders |
Soma | Sacred drink |
Prithvi | Goddess of Earth |
Aditi | Goddess of Eternity |
Usha | Goddess of Dawn |
Savitri | Gayatri mantra is devoted to Goddess Savitri |
Agriculture was the mainstay of the economy. The inhabitants were well-versed in sowing, harvesting, threshing, and other agricultural seasons. The inhabitants were pastoral, and the cow, as well as cows and bulls, were revered.
The Aryan civilisation is a complex and highly organised society. It is made up of many different social classes, each with its distinct roles and responsibilities. The three main social classes are the Brahmins (priests and scholars), the Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers) and the Vaishyas (merchants and traders).
The four broad ranks of the caste system in the Indo-Aryan culture, which included Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (kings, governors and warriors), Vaishyas (cattle herders, agriculturists, artisans, and merchants), and Shudras (laborers and service providers).
The earlly vedic people developed a highly organised society, that was based on the principle of monogamy. Polygamy was practiced only among the royal families. The eldest male member was the head of the family and was called 'Kulapathi ' or 'Grihapathi '.
Agriculture was the chief means of livelihood for the people. Improved methods of fertilisation, sowing, ploughing and manuring were known to the Aryans. Many lands were brought under plantations. Crops were harvested twice a year and multiple varieties of crops, such as wheat, rice, maize and barley, were grown.
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