Question

Compare and contrast the Rig-vedic and post Rig-vedic periods based on the following parameters:
(i) social system (ii) religious system (iii) political system

Answer 1

Instructions:
Mention any 2 points in each system
Under the social system, write about the evolution in the varna system and the position of women.
Under the religious system, mention the rituals, gods of worship, and new concepts.
Highlight the changes in kingship under the political system.

Solution:
Social system

Rig Veda period	Post Rig-Veda period
Three varnas (Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Shudras) participated in rituals, administration, and business respectively while the fourth varna, Shudhras were forced to work as slaves.	Few major changes in the Varna system with more rigidity.
No untouchability	Some of the early food-collecting tribes like Nishaada were grouped as untouchables.
Women enjoyed respectable positions	Women were placed at the lowest position in the hierarchy.

Religious system

Yagnas were performed for good rains and harvest and to defeat enemies like dasyus.	Yagna was believed to be the epicentre of all the things that take place in the world.
Prominence was given to Fire (Agni) and Indra (Rain).	Gods like Rudra and Vishnu gained prominence.
No concept of rebirth.	The concepts of Karma and rebirth of the soul were introduced in The Upanishads.

Political system

The grama (village) consisted of tribes and was headed by the Rajan or Raja.	Powerful kingships emerged as a result of the improved military power of the tribes.
Kingship was flexible.	The absolute rule of the king came more prominent with many complex rituals centred around the king.
Sabha and Samiti, the assemblies of the common people, around the king existed.	Sabha and Samiti lost their prominence.