Question

Write a detailed note on the developments in the society in the Vedic Period with the emergence of the Janapadas.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Introduce the vedic societal set-up.
• Elaborate the developments with the shift in their habitation.
• Write a note on the division of the society into castes.

Solution:

• The Vedic people lived in the northwestern part of India between the Hindukush Mountains and the Yamuna River, and mostly reared cattle.
• They lived in small Janas or tribal habitations.
• These tribes fought battles with each other to control cows, pastures and water sources.
• Hundreds of years later, the Vedic tribes shifted to the banks of the Rivers Yamuna and Ganges. They began cultivating crops like rice and wheat.
• The janapadas emerged and the tribal leaders tried to become kings.
• The idea of division of society into castes based on occupation was developed.
• There were 4 castes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Sudras.
• Women were not offered important roles.
• Many people did not accept these ideas and fought against the system.