4. Vedic Culture
Complete solutions to the Exercise. Maharashtra State Board (Balbharati), Grade Six History and Civics.
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About the chapter
This chapter is about the Vedic period. It describes the four Vedas and other Vedic texts. It explains the four Ashramas and the Gurukul system of education. It also tells us about the economy, the status of women and the political system of that time.
Key points
- The word ‘Veda’ comes from the root ‘vid’, which means ‘to know’.
- There are four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda.
- Life was divided into four stages called Ashramas.
- Students studied in the Guru’s Ashram, called the Gurukul.
- The economy was based on agriculture and animal husbandry. The cow was a means of exchange.
- The Sabha and the Samiti advised the King.
Words to remember
- Upanishad – knowledge gained by sitting close to the Guru
- Gurukul – the system of studying in the Guru’s Ashram
- Ashrama – a stage of life
- Sabha – the council of elders
- Samiti – the assembly of the common people
- Barter – exchange of goods without money
Exercise
(1) ‘Vid’ means — to know
(2) Getting knowledge by sitting close to a Guru means — Upanishad
(3) A council of senior persons was called — Sabha
| Group ‘A’ | Group ‘B’ |
|---|---|
| 1) Rigveda | c) Prayer songs for deities |
| 2) Yajurveda | d) Description of sacrificial rites and rituals |
| 3) Samaveda | a) Chanting of mantras during sacrifices |
| 4) Atharvaveda | b) Health and medical treatments |
The four stages of life under the Ashram system.
(1) Education System in the Vedic Period
Education was very important in Vedic society. Students left home and stayed in the Guru’s Ashram. This system was called the Gurukul. Students lived a disciplined life. They studied the Vedas, Mathematics, Astronomy, Ayurveda, Ethics and the use of weapons. Education also taught values like humility, discipline and self-control. In the Early Vedic period, women too could study the Vedas.
(2) Economic Life in the Vedic Period
The economy was based on agriculture and animal husbandry. People grew wheat, barley and rice. Cows, oxen, horses, sheep and goats were valuable. The cow was used as a means of exchange. Other occupations were metalwork, pottery, weaving, goldsmithy and chariot-making. Trade was done by barter. Groups of merchants and artisans were called Shreni, and their head was the Shreshthi.
(3) Status of Women in the Vedic Society
Women were respected in the Early Vedic society. They could study the Vedas like men. Lopamudra, Ghosha, Gargi, Maitreyi and Apala were famous women scholars. Some Vedic hymns were composed by women. Women took part in rituals and in the Sabha and Vidatha. In the post-Vedic period, restrictions on women increased. Their status became lower.
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(1) In the Vedic culture agriculture was very important.
- The economy of the Vedic people was based on agriculture and animal husbandry.
- Wheat, barley and rice were their main food.
- In the Post-Vedic period, people settled in the Ganges valley. So farming grew quickly.
- Extra grain helped trade and crafts to grow.
- Grain and ghee were also offered in Yajnas.
Therefore, agriculture was very important in the Vedic culture.
(2) In the Vedic society women held a position of honour.
- Women had the right to education. They could study the Vedas like men.
- Some Vedic hymns were composed by women.
- Lopamudra, Ghosha, Gargi, Maitreyi and Apala were famous women scholars.
- Women took part in religious rituals and sacrifices.
- They took part in the work of the Sabha and the Vidatha.
Therefore, women held a position of honour in the Early Vedic society.
Similarities
- Music, dance and singing were popular then and are popular now.
- Musical instruments were played in both periods.
- Games and sports were enjoyed in both periods.
- Festivals brought people together in both periods.
Differences
- Then, entertainment was collective. Today, much of it is individual, on mobile phones or TV.
- Then, it was linked with religion and Yajnas. Today, it is mostly separate from religion.
- Then, all performances were live. Today, we have films, radio, TV and the internet.
- Then, games like chariot racing, archery and wrestling were played outdoors. Today, many games are indoor or on screens.
| Position / Institution | Function |
|---|---|
| Sabha | A council comprising elders and distinguished senior individuals which advised the King and assisted him in making key decisions |
| Samiti | The assembly of the common people of the village or community, which also advised the King in his decision-making |
| Bhagadugh | The official appointed to collect the King’s share (bhaga), that is, the revenue or tax |
- The body becomes flexible and strong.
- Breathing improves and immunity increases.
- The mind becomes calm. Stress and anger reduce.
- Concentration and memory improve.
- A regular daily routine develops.
- Food habits become simple and healthy.
- Self-control and self-confidence increase.
The Activities — a play on the story of Eklavya, collecting Suktas from the Vedas, and finding the emblems and mottos of the Indian Air Force and Army — are to be done at school with your teacher’s guidance.