Social Condition of The Vedic Aryans

         Social Condition of the Vedic Period

Social life the Aryans was very simple ,scared and smooth.They live in village and lead a life of purity and chastity.

Family Life-The Aryans was patriarchal.The father held the highest place in the family,and exercised the full control over it.If any case death of the father,the elder son took charge of the family. Generally,the behavior of the father towards every member of the family was polite and impartial,but we find references in the 'Rigveda' where the father punished the son or the member of the family for their wrongs.Father being the head of the family was known as 'Grihapati' and 'Dampati'.He used to perform all the religious ceremonies along with his wife.The joint family system was prevalent in the early vedic society,and each house consisted of a fire place(Agnishala),a drawing room and apartments for the ladies.

Position of Women-During this women were held in high esteem. In every sphere of life they enjoyed equality with men. No religious rite could be performed without their presence.They occupied an important place in the social and religious gatherings.

Absence of 'Purdah' and 'Sutee' also indicates their respectables position in society.They received similar education as men ,often took part in philosophical debates.Women also had a sound knowledge of music and dancing.

The girls were married when they had attained full maturity.The marriages were normally performed according to the wish of the parents,but the girls also had a right to choose their own husbands with the consent of their parents in Swayamvara.

Education-The physical and spiritual education was imparted to the students in the Ashrams.It was chiefly oral.The aim of education was the sharpening of the intellect,developing of character and achievement of the highest knowledge.

Food and Drinks-The main food of the Aryans was milk,curd,butter and ghee,but they consumed fruits,vegetables and the cereals also,that they produced.At the time of religious ceremonies and sacrifices,the intoxicating juice of a plant called 'Soma' was taken by the people,but he was condemned in the Vedic literature."Anger,dice and 'Sura' are said to cause men to sin".

Dress and Ornaments-The Aryans used to wear the dress made of cotton,wool and skin of the animals.The garment consisted of three parts-

1-Nivi,an undergarment

2-Paridhan,an over garment and,

3-Adhivasa,an upper garment.
The garments of the rich persons were embroidered with gold.The saints generally used to wear the skin of deer.Both men and women used ornaments.'Ear-rings' were used by males and females both.

Morals-The morals of the people was very high.Robbery,theft and other crimes were rare as the inhabitants of the vedic age lived a contented . Hospitality was an etiquette in society.The guest were respected with open arms.The Aryans were well versed in medical science and used medicines to cure diseases.