Question

Elaborate on the social and religious changes brought about during the post Vedic period in India.​

Answer 1

Instructions:First, describe what social hierarchy signified. HL the presence of varna system, and the Ashram system.
Secondly, explain the degradation in the position of women and the existence of polygamy especially in aristocratic circles. Explain the complexities of religious life.
Lastly, the role of yagnas in worshiping various and different kinds of Gods. Also mention the two important texts of Hindus.

Solution:Society and religion underwent some major changes during the post-Vedic age. Some of these changes are as follows:​

1. During this time, women became less important in social life. They were deprived of education and kept away from political exposure. ​
2. Polygamy was being practiced, especially in the aristocratic circles, which included the King as well. ​
3. The varna system which included the four castes was practiced, along with the ashrama system. The Gotra system also came into existence in the post-Vedic age.
4. In the post-Vedic age, as religious practices became more complex, yagnas were performed frequently. People used to offer large quantities of grains, and milk. ​
5. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiv were the main Gods. Along with them others such as Ganesha, Lakshmi, Parvati were also worshiped. Mahabharata and Ramayana were also important texts of Hindus.