Rig Vedic Economy: Insights into Ancient Agrarian Life

April 20, 2024 1329 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.
Related Articles 
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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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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