LATER
VEDIC AGE
The period that
followed the Rig Veda is known as Later Vedic Age when the three other Vedas
namely Sam, Yajur and Atharva Vedas were compiled (roughly from 1000 B.C. to
600 B.C). Historians are of opinion that the average gap between Rig Veda and
other three Vedas are about a thousand and five hundred years. As these Vedas
were compiled at much later date, naturally the changes affected in the life style
of the Aryans have been reflected therein. Following are the significant features
of Later Vedic Age.
SOCIAL LIFE
The later vedic literature furnishes us with the significant
changes that had taken place in the social life of the people of the period.
Chaturashrama or Four Stages of Life
This is the first social change that was manifested in the
life style of the Aryans. They now started the system of Chaturashrama meaning
dividing human life into four important stages for maintaining certain healthy
and ethical standards. Fixing the average longevity of lifespan with hundred
years they divided it into four stages each of about twenty-five years. They
are:
*Celibacy
or Brahmacharya
*Householdership
or Garhasthya
*
Spiritual Recluse or Vanaprastha and
*
Meditation or Sannyasa
Each stage had its
individual characteristics.
The first stage of
life was called Brahmacharyashrama - the phase of foundation for future life.
At this stage the Aryans used to study in Gurukulas and practised celibacy.
Through moral, intellectual and physical training they were imparted value- based
education. A convocation ceremony was held after the completion of studies.
Next was inaugurated
the second stage that is garahasthyashrama. It was meant for marriage and
family life. As a family man, the Arya was supposed to perform all his duties
and responsibilities within the family circle.
After fifty, an Arya had to take recourse to
Vanaprasthyashrama that means enouncing family and social bonds and to stay
away from families in forests for spiritual refuge and realization of God.
Last stage was Sannyashrama or the phase of meditation and
penance, prayer and devotion to almighty for the ultimate salvation of soul.
Caste System
Early vedic society
was casteless. But Later Vedic Age was marked by a strong caste system which
not only brought to end to the egalitarian outlook of the Aryans but also
created man-made differences. Four castes now raised their ugly heads such as:
*Brahmana,
*Kshatriya,
*Vaisya and
*Sudra
The Brahmanas enjoyed the highest status in the social hierarchy.
By their learning and wisdom they used to impart education and perform religious
rituals. They acted as spiritual preceptors to the people around them.
Next in the caste system were the Kshatriyas. To help the king
in the administration, to defend the country, wars and conquests were their principal
profession. Even some Kshatriyas proved their proficiency in scriptures like
that of Brahmanas.
The Vaisya caste dealt with agriculture, craft, trade and
commerce. They were socially inferior to the upper two castes of Brahmanas and
Kshatriyas. The rich Vaisyas were known as sresthis who occupied higher posts
in royal court.
The Sudra was the lowest caste whose exclusive duty was to
serve the other three higher castes. Being deprived of education and other facilities,
they were poorest and the worst sufferers in the society.
In due course, this
caste-system became hereditary which increased the gap between the castes.
Further various sub-castes emerged out of the four main castes. Inter-caste
marriage was strictly prohibited. The higher castes enjoyed various facilities
of life while the lowers were deprived. The simple social life of the vedic
period was lost to social inequality and differences.
Education
A high standard of
education was an important feature of Later Vedic Age. The curriculum now
included the study of the Vedas, Upanishads, Philosophy, Grammar, Rhyme and
Mathematics. The Kshatriyas specifically received military education as a part
of their caste-symbol. After the upanayana (sacred thread ceremony), the pupil
was initiated into study as a brahmachari. The aim of education was to be
humble, intelligent, well mannered and erudite to make life appy and complete.
Medicine
Little changes took
place in food and dress habits of Later Vedic Aryans. But some changes were
marked in the field of medical science. It is evident from Atharva Veda that different
types of herbs along with water and mantra were applied to the patients for
treating diseases.
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