Social condition of Later vedic period

         Social Condition During Later Vedic Age

Family life-Like in the Vedic Period the family was a significant unit during the Epic age. Each family or Kula comprised several members.The system of joint family was prevalent and the head of the family was known as kulapati. He may have been either the father or the eldest brother.'Aitreya Brahman' reveals that father used to have the fullest command over the sons.However,the relation between the father and the son were cordial.

Condition of Women-The condition of women as compared to the vedic age she was not honored and respected as the women of the vedic age.The chief reason of the decline in the condition of women was polygamy and polyandry. Dashratha,the king of Ayodhya,had three wives and Draupadi had five husbands.The birth of daughter was regarded as a source of misery and sorrow and women were supposed to be the root cause of evil.But it does not mean that they had no respect at all.There had been some very influential ladies like Gargi,Maitreyi,Sita,Savitri and Damayanti. They were free to choose their husbands from among several suitors and take part in discussions.Music,dancing and arts were taught to them.

Education-There were no schools and colleges during this period. The student used to go to the Ashrams of the teachers to get education .No salary was paid to the teachers except presents. The subject taught by the Gurus were religion and philosophy but stress was also laid on grammar language.

Food and Drinks-People gradually becoming vegetarians and they were developing a hatred for meat.Besides wheat,barley and rice milk was profusely used.

Dress-The dress was made of woolen and cotton cloth.The wool of sheep was used for this purpose. Nivi, Vasa and Adhivasa were put on in the Vedic period.People used to wear turban also.No, specific change seemed to have taken place in dress during the Epic age.

Ornaments- Both males and females were fond of ornaments. Some ornaments were used by men and women both Armlets, finger-rings, ear-rings etc were in fashion.Precious stones like pearls,jewels and rubies strung in thread were worn round the neck.