ECONOMIC LIFE OF RIG VEDIC AGE

ECONOMIC LIFE

Vedic culture was primarily village centric. Village was the yardstick for Civilization and culture. The AryanS had preference for village life setting aside the luxurious Comforts of urbanization. So naturally the rural economy was the key factor for maintaining proper fiscal standard. And the base of rural economy was agriculture and animal husbandry. In addition craft and Technology along with trade activities said major contribution for early Vedic economic system.

Agriculture

 The primary focus of Aryan economy was agriculture. It was the prime occupation of the people. The cornfield was called ‘urbara’ or ‘kshetra’ which was cultivated by Bullock drawn ploughs. System of irrigation and application of manure was not unknown. Several vedic hymns were composed in honor of Gods and Goddesses praying for good harvest, timely rainfall or well-being of the domestic animals. Barley and wheat were the major products. At the same time, oil seed and cotton plantation were familiar. Paddy was produced in life Limited scale. In fact, Aryans were the real agriculturists who regarded agriculture as their chief source of Economic Strength.

Animal husbandry

In the early vedic age, economy was agro-pastoral in character. In means agriculture along with animal husbandry played equally important role in strengthening the economic standard of the people. Cattle-rearing was an important occupation and the cow was treated by the Aryans with veneration and respect as the source of wealth and economic prosperity. Gauda and Gopa was in charge of daily pasture-feeding of cows, buffaloes, sheep etc. the Aryans had also domesticated other animal like horse, dog, donkeys, goat etc. the animals specially stamped,  by their owners for their identity among large herds of cattle.

Craft and Technology

 The Vedic Aryans were not indifferent to the other branches of economic growth that is craft and Technology. In fact, they had exhibited great expertise in woodwork, Metallurgy, earthenware and tannery. Chariots, cars and boats were the chief products for carpenters. Metal-smiths used to prepare different types of ornaments and weapons. The waver community was in charge of spinning and weaving. Special class of artisans where there for preparing leather goods, mat-stitching and horn-works. Vedic literature affirms the existence of physicians who had the knowledge for preparing medicines from various herbal plants.

Trade and Commerce

 Trade and Commerce constituted important features of early Vedic economy where equal importance was attached to both internal and external trade. We come across special prayers in Rig Veda to achieve Fortune through Maritime activities. pani as a specific group of Merchants controlled and regulated business activities. Car was used as an important unit of exchange and Mana was the medium of weight. The vedic description related to sea voyages and trade activities of the Aryans are the evidence of their commercial profession.

Transport

 Proper Transportation system is an index of advanced economy. In the land route, horse or Bullock drawn chariots where the means of transport while boats and ships were in vogue for sea route. The use of Mana is fiscal activities both by the Aryans and babylonians stand as a concrete proof of economic activities between the people of two cultures. Thus, domestic as well as a foreign trade helped to maintain a healthy economic growth.