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Vedic Civilization. Language, Religion, Technology, Economy, Society and Politics. Vedic Civlization.
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Vedic Civilization Language, Religion, Technology, Economy, Society and Politics Prof. Subho Basu
Vedic Civlization • Around 1,500 BC, speakers of Indo- European languages gradually infiltrated the Indian subcontinent. These people referred to themselves as Arya(Aryan). As historians do not have much archaeological evidence for this era, they rely on the sacred book of hymns composed by these people. These scared books are known as Vedas: hence this lecture will refer to the Vedic Civilization. Prof. Subho Basu
Vedic Civilization: Language and Religion • 1. The Linguistic Identity of Aryan People. • 2. The Evolution of Sanskrit Language. • 3. The Vedas and Upanishad. • 4. Ancient Religious System. Prof. Subho Basu
body. A Vedic Civilization: Technology and Economy • 1. Use of Iron Tools. • 2. Clearing of Forests in Indo- Gangetic Plain. • 3.Beginning of Sedentary agrarian Civilization. • 4. Rise of Urban Centers. Prof. Subho Basu
Vedic Society: Social Stratification. • 1. Geographic Expansion of Aryan Civilization from Indus Valley to Gangetic Plain. • 2. Primary Ethnic Units:Tribes or Jana. • 3. Cattle Wealth and the formation of Ruling Lineages. Prof. Subho Basu
Vedic Civilization: Social Stratification • 1. Evolution of Caste Stratification:- • A) Brahman-white • B)Kshatriya-yellow • C)Vaishya-red • D) Praja-Shudras and Dasas-black Prof. Subho Basu
Vedic Civilization: Formation of State • 1. Ethnic Unit –Jana/ Clans/ Tribe. • 2. Regional Territory of Clan-Janapada. • 3. Chief of ruling kshatriya Lineage-Raja/King. • 4. New Name for Ruling Lineage Rastra (State). Prof. Subho Basu
Vedic CivilizationFormation of State • 1. Rise of Early Kingdoms (Mahajanapadas). • 2. Horse Sacrifice and the Conquest of the Region. Prof. Subho Basu
Age of Epic: Ramayana and Mahabharata • Story of Ramayana • Story of Mahabharata • Kalyuga and the need for Kingship • The idea of Vanashramdharma • Triumph of Monarchy • Model Kingship and Duties of the king Prof. Subho Basu
Vedic Civilization : Social Status of Women • 1. Equal Access to Learning. • 2. Right to Public Speaking. • 3. Women Seers and Composers of Hymns. • 4. Right to Marry in accordance with Personal Choice. Prof. Subho Basu
Vedic Civilization : Social Status of Women • 5.Right to Inherit Property. • 6. Marriage as the main form of Institution. • 7. Patriarchal Family Structure and the Control of Husbands over wives. Prof. Subho Basu
Vedic CivilizationSocial Status of Women • 8. Women Barred from Religious Ritual. • 9. The Emphasis on the Reproductive Function of Women. • 10.Decline of Social Status with the rise of Organized State and Caste System. Prof. Subho Basu