Rig Vedic Economy: Insights into Ancient Agrarian Life

Introduction

The Rig Vedic economy during the Early Vedic Period (1500-1000 BCE) was primarily agrarian and pastoral, centered around subsistence farming, animal husbandry, and limited trade. Economic activities were essential for sustaining the nomadic lifestyle of the early Indo-Aryan society.

Characteristics

• Patoralism: Society was predominantly pastoral, with cattle-rearing as the primary occupation, and wealth was gauged by the number of cows owned. 
• Though trade and commerce were limited, Barter- system was prevalent, with the cow being a key exchange item.
• Community Resources: Land ownership, as a concept of private property, didn’t exist. Clans collectively shared resources. 
  • Individuals, including Rajan, purohits, and artisans, were part of clan networks.
• Primitive agriculture, using fire-clearing techniques and wooden ploughs (langala and sura), was in practice. 
  • The term ‘sita’ meant the furrow created by ploughing. 
  • They cultivated Barley (yavam) and wheat (godhuma).
• Irrigation: Water for irrigation was probably drawn from wells by cattle-driven water-lifts using pulleys.
• Craftspeople engaged in various trades like carpentry, weaving, and chariot-making, the latter holding particular prestige due to the popularity of chariot-racing.
• References to Siri or yarn, indicating spinning, which was done by women and to carpenters, Takshan in the Rig Vedic texts.

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Taxation and Exchanges

• The economy depended on voluntary or compulsory contribution (Bali) from the people (vis) and war bounties. 
• Social exchange involved gift redistribution, extending courtesies, offering hospitality, and providing military aid. 
• Iron technology was absent and had limited metallurgical pursuits.
• • Metal called Ayas, either Copper or Bronze was known.
  • Karmara, smith, is mentioned in the Rig Veda. 
  • The Rigveda has mentioned Hiranya, the oldest Sanskrit word for gold. [UPSC 2017]

Conclusion

• The Rig Vedic economy reflects the rudimentary yet functional economic practices of ancient India, emphasizing self-sufficiency within small tribal communities. 
  • It laid the groundwork for the evolution of trade networks and economic systems in subsequent periods, contributing to the development of Indian civilization.