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Rig Vedic Economy: Insights into Ancient Agrarian Life

April 20, 2024 1050 0

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]

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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.
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Main Features Of Vedic Society Vedic Period: History Notes
Sangam Age – Political History of South India Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE)
Jainism and Buddhism Post Mauryan Period (200 BC – 300 AD)

 

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Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
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हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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