Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                
SlideShare a Scribd company logo

6. THE VEDIC CIVILISATION.pptx

•Download as PPTX, PDF•
•
A
ASShyamkumar4792

The document provides information about the Vedic civilization that flourished in India from 1500 BCE to 600 BCE. It discusses the origins of the Aryans, sources of information about the period, and details about political organization, social life, religion, and economy during the Early and Later Vedic periods. The Aryans likely migrated to India from Central Asia around 1500 BCE and settled along the Indus River valley. The Vedic literature like the Vedas and Upanishads provide most of the historical information about religious beliefs and practices. Society was divided into four classes or varnas based on occupations. Kings held significant power and administration became more complex over time as kingdoms expanded in northern India.

Related slideshows

The Mauryan Empire
The Mauryan EmpireThe Mauryan Empire
The Mauryan Empire
 
The Mauryan Age of India
The Mauryan Age of IndiaThe Mauryan Age of India
The Mauryan Age of India
 
India during medieval period
India during medieval periodIndia during medieval period
India during medieval period
 
1 of 45
THE VEDIC CIVILISATION
TOPICS OF THE CHAPTER  Origin of the Aryans  Sources  Early Vedic Period — Political Organisation,Social Life,Religion,Food and Dress,Amusements, Occupations,Transport and Trade  Later Vedic Period — Political Organisation,Social Life,Religion,Economy,Literature,Science,Gurukul System of Education
INTRODUCTION The Vedic Period or the Vedic Age refers to the time period when the Aryans arrived in India. The Vedic Civilisation flourished from 1500 BCE — 600 BCE. The history of this period is based mainly on The Vedas, Upanishads,Epics etc. It is the earliest Civilisation in Indian history of such we have written records. Many great changes took place in India during this period. The Aryans developed this civilisation. During this period agriculture was well developed and significant progress was made in social and cultural fields.
Origin of the Aryans There is uncertainly about the origin of the Aryans. There are different theories about it :  They were original inhabitants of India.  They migrated from the Arctic regions.  They spread out from Central Europe. According to the most historians the Aryans came from Central Asia in about 1500 BCE. It is believed that Persians, Indians,Greeks and Romans have lived together in ancient times in Central Asia. This theory is based on common words and other similarities in Sanskrit and the European languages. For example : The Aryans who came to India in about 1500 BCE are called ‘ Indo – Aryans ’. They settled in the area known as ‘ Sapta Sindhu ’.
‘Sapta Sindhu’ referred to the region around the seven rivers – Indus and it’s tributaries — Jhelum,Chenab,Ravi,News,Satluj and Saraswati. This area was named ‘Brahmavarta’ (meaning – the land of gods). The Aryans came to India in groups.From Punjab they moved and spread over the Gagetic Valley and then southwards (as far as the Vindhya Mountains.) The land they settled down was called ‘Aryavarta’. The original inhabitants were called Dasyus. The Dasyus were subjugated by the Aryans.
Extent of the Aryan Civilisation
SIMILARITIES IN LANGUAGES Sanskrit Persian English petri pidar father matri madar mother bhrata biradar brother
The Vedic Literature
Sources The main historical sources of this period are literary and archaeological. SOURCES 2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOURCES 1. LITERARY SOURCE
The Literary Sources  The Vedic Literature, i.e. The Vedas, are the most important as they give a lot of information about the religious beliefs and practices of the Aryans. The word ‘Veda’ means knowledge. The Vedas — Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda — contain hymns composed in praise of gods. Before they were written down, these hymns were passed on orally from generation to generation.  The Rig Veda (composed in 1500 BCE) is the chief source of information. Other literary sources are the Upanishads, Brahmanas, Puranas, Aranyakas and the Epics — The Ramayan by Sage Valmiki and Mahabharat by Sage Ved Vyas. These Epics provide information about the social,political,economic,and cultural life of people. That’s why the whole period (from 1500 BCE to 600 BCE) is known as Vedic Age.
Archaeological Sources Archaeological evidence about the Vedic Age includes some distinctive pottery called as Painted Grey Ware (PGW). This painted grey ware was found in the excavations made at Hastinapur and at Atrangikhera. – The Vedas – Painted Grey Ware
The Vedic Age Later Vedic Age (1000 BCE-600 BCE) Early Vedic Age (1500 BCE–1000 BCE)
BRAHMAVARTA EARLY VEDIC PERIOD
Political Organisation The Aryans were divided into many tribes. Each tribe settled in a particular area and number of villages sprang up. Each tribe had a king selected for his bravery and wisdom. He had to perform military and religious duties. His chief duty was to protect the tribe and it’s territory. He was called Rajan. The king assisted in his work by a senani (commander of the army) and a Purohit (chief priest). The village head (Gramini) also helped the king. He kept a fighting force ready to help the king in times of war. The Aryans had two important assemblies — The Sabha and the Samiti. The Samiti was an assembly of the people in a village. The Sabha was A smaller body consisting of senior citizens and important members. The King treated them with great respect. The Sabha gave advice to the king on important matters.
Rajan Purohit Senani — Sabha Samiti
Social Life Family The Aryans lived in villages (each village called ‘grama’). The society was patriarchal. Each family was known as a ‘Kul’. The eldest male member was considered the head and made all the decisions (which other had to accept.) The head (of family) was called Grihapati. Status of Women Women were respected and treated at par with men and given eduction. Wife as the husband’s partner in all the ceremonies. A father’s property was injected by his children.Sati and Purdah system did not exist. Girls had freedom to choose their husbands through the system called ‘Svayamvara’.
Women were given a high status in the society. They actively attended assemblies and participated in debates. The system of widow remarriage was accepted. Gargi and Maitreyi were two highly educated women who lived during this time. Gargi debating with Yajnavalkaya
The Four Varnas The ‘Varna’ system was an important feature of the Vedic Society. There were four Varna’s — Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. This system was based on occupations of the people (not on birth).  The teachers were called Brahmanas, who also conducted religious ceremonies.  Kshatriyas were rulers, administrators and warriors.  Farmers, merchants were called Vaishyas.  The group that served all the three classes was called Shudra.(comprised artisans and labourers.
During the Early Vedic period the Varna system was flexible and no restrictions were there. Towards the end of the Later Vedic Period, occupations became hereditary and people from the same occupation formed a Varna. Slowly, the Varna system became very rigid and discriminatory.
Brahmana Kshatriya Vaishya — Shudra THE FOUR VARNAS
Religion The Aryans worshipped nature and its forces like the sun,earth,sky,wind,rain and fire. Prayers were offered to Agni,Varun,Indra. Surya, (the Sun-God) and Indra were very important God’s. There were no temples during this period. Hannah were performed and they worshipped with simple offerings and changing of hymns. Some of the Important Gods of The Vedic Period were : God Worshipped as Varun Water-God,God of seas Indra God of Rain,Storm and war Surya Sun-God Agni God of Fire Vayu God of Wind Usha Goddess of Dawn Prithivi Mother Goddess
Performance of Yajna
Food and Dress The food of the Aryans consisted of fruits,vegetables,barley,and diary products such as thee and butter. Sometimes meat was also eaten. The vedas also refer to consumption of drinks ‘Som’ and ‘Sura’. Sura was an intoxicating drink, consumed on festivals. Som was taken only during specials religious ceremonies. The Aryans dressed in clothes made of cotton and wool. Men wore dhotis and turbans. Women wore sarees. Men and Women wore ornaments made of gold,silver, and other metals.
Amusements Chariot racing, singing, dancing, playing musical instruments (flute,drum,lute – favourite instruments),playing the game of dice were the favourite amusements of the Aryans. - CHARIOT RACING
Economic Life In the beginning, the Aryans were pastoral. Later, they settled down and started living in one place. The Rig Veda mentions the importance of cows. The farmers of this period as a fair idea about various seasons of farming. The plough is also mentioned in the Rig Veda. Agriculture,Chariot making,metal working and cattle reading were the main and important occupations. Other occupations were pottery making,weaving,carpentry,jewellery- making,fishing. Iron was discovered during this age (1000 BCE). Priests occupied a prestigious position in the society. They acted as teachers and doctors. They knew about medicinal herbs and plants and attended to the sick. Cattle were considered the symbol of wealth. The number of cows a person has, the richer he was considered. A person owning many cows was called a Gopati.
Transport and Trade The Aryans introduced the horse in India. Horses were used for drawing chariots. Ownership of a chariot WA regarded as a status symbol in the Vedic society. Boats were used for water transport.
ARYAVARTA LATER VEDIC PERIOD
LATER VEDIC PERIOD The period between 1000 BCE – 600 BCE is known as the Later Vedic Period. The Aryans now settled in the Gangetic Valley. This period has been reconstructed on the basis of two sources ; The Vedas,The Epics and the Archaeological remains from the regions such as Hastinapur and the upper Gangetic plains.
Political Organisation Small tribal organisation of Early Vedic Period now expanded and took the shape of large kingdoms. Some of the kingdoms established in Later Vedic Period are —  Kuru (modern Haryana, Delhi and western part of U.P.)  Kosala (region of Awash in U.P.)  Magadh (region of Patna and Gaya)  Kashi (Benaras) The position of the king became stronger.  He gained absolute power and his position became hereditary.  The king began claiming himself to be the representive of God. They performed the Ashwamedha,Vajapeya and Rajasuya sacrifices.
 The king assumed titles of Samrat and Maharajadhiraj. Powers of the king increased and administration became complex. The king now required more officers to help him in administration. The Senani became important as he helped the Rajan to expand his territory. Another officer who gained importance was the ‘Sangrihirthi’ ( the tax collector.) The two assemblies, Sabha and Samiti, lost their importance. The common people could not afford to attend the meetings of these assemblies. Hence, these assemblies were attended only by the rich and the influential. They were now dominated by the aristocracy.
Social Life The Family The position of women deteriorated during the period.Women were considered inferior to men.They were denied education and not allowed to read Vedic Literature. Polygamy was practised by upper class and rich including the ruling princes. Taking care of their families and serving husbands was all women were supposed to do, though religious ceremonies were still considered incomplete without them.Widow remarriage was not accepted.
The Four Varnas Another significant change that came during this period was the rigidity in the Varna system. The children of a vaishya or shudra were no longer allowed to teach, or fight in the battlefield and had to be in the same profession as their fathsrs, irrespective of their capabilities and interest.
Religion In the Later Vedic Period mode of worshipping became complex and complicated. The Early Vedic gods — Indra,Agni,Varun,etc were replaced by Brahma,Vishnu, Shiva. Brahma was worshipped as creator Vishnu as the preserver Shiva as the destroyer A Yajna was the most common ritual. Sometimes, elaborate Yajnas were organised, where largenumber of priests chanted mantras for days. Priests were looked upon as messengers of God and enjoyed breast power and prestige. Towards the end of this period, certain people began to raise their voice against the complicated rites,rituals,animal sacrifices and the importance of Brahmanas.
Later Vedic Gods — Brahma,Vishnu,Shiva
Economy Use of iron became common in this period. A number of implements and weapons were made. Though agriculture was still the most important occupation, weaving,poltergeist, jewellery making,etc developed. Rice,Barley,Wheat were cultivated.Trade flourishing and the growth of towns,cities was there towards the end of this period.
Literature Three Vedas — Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda and The Upanishads were composed towards the end of this period. Page of Ken Upanishada
Upanishads The Upanishads dwell on philosophical aspects of human life. Questions such as : What is God ? Who is God ? What is life ? Where does one go after death ? Are dealt in them. They lay stress on Karma (action) and Moksha (salvation). According to the Upanishads, a man’s condition and position are determined by his actions in his previous life. The Aryans believed in ‘dharma’ (the right way of living). As time progressed, superstitions and misbeliefs crept into religion.
The Ramayana It was written by Sage Valmiki in Sanskrit. It tells the story of Sita and Rama (incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu). It contains ideal characters like Rama,Lakshman,Bharat,Hanuman and Sita. It describes a war between Rama and Ravana, ruler of Lanka. Rama kills Ravana and rescues Sita.
The Mahabharata It was written by Sage Ved Vyas in Sanskrit. It is a long epic which describes the great battle fought between the Pandavas and the Kauravas at Kurukshetra. The epics are the main source of information about the political and social conditions prevailing in the Epic Age. They are not only of great literary value, but they also reveal high ideals of life. The Bhagvad Gita a part of Mahabharata, is one of the sacred books of the Hindus. It teaches that the soul is immortal. Though the body dies, the soul does not.
Science The Aryans also studied various branches of science. They made accurate calendars and could predict the time of eclipses. In mathematics they were fairly advanced as they knew Anka ganita (arithmetic), Rekha ganita (geometry) and Beej ganit (algebra), astronomy and astrology (jyotish).
Gurukul System of Education The Guru-Shishya tradition was followed in education. A student (Brahmachari) of 7 years was sent to Gurukul (family of a teacher) where he lived with his Guru. Vedic literature, mathematics, medicines,astronomy,astrology etc. Were the subjects transmitted orally. They also learnt, sword fighting, archery, wrestling, etc. To be used in the battlefields. Students served their Guru and paid gurudakshina or remuneration after the completion of their education, according to their ability.
A GURUKUL
Brahmacharya – This was the first stage of life when a person received education and kept himself busy in attaining knowledge. Grihastha – This was the second stage of his life when he got married and fulfilled his responsibilities towards his family
Vanprastha – This was the third stage of his life when he gave up the materialistic world and when to the forest for meditation. Sanyasa – The fourth and last stage in which he was supposed to give up all worldly ties and preach the moral values. THE FOUR ASHRAMAS
THANK YOU

More Related Content

6. THE VEDIC CIVILISATION.pptx

  • 2. TOPICS OF THE CHAPTER  Origin of the Aryans  Sources  Early Vedic Period — Political Organisation,Social Life,Religion,Food and Dress,Amusements, Occupations,Transport and Trade  Later Vedic Period — Political Organisation,Social Life,Religion,Economy,Literature,Science,Gurukul System of Education
  • 3. INTRODUCTION The Vedic Period or the Vedic Age refers to the time period when the Aryans arrived in India. The Vedic Civilisation flourished from 1500 BCE — 600 BCE. The history of this period is based mainly on The Vedas, Upanishads,Epics etc. It is the earliest Civilisation in Indian history of such we have written records. Many great changes took place in India during this period. The Aryans developed this civilisation. During this period agriculture was well developed and significant progress was made in social and cultural fields.
  • 4. Origin of the Aryans There is uncertainly about the origin of the Aryans. There are different theories about it :  They were original inhabitants of India.  They migrated from the Arctic regions.  They spread out from Central Europe. According to the most historians the Aryans came from Central Asia in about 1500 BCE. It is believed that Persians, Indians,Greeks and Romans have lived together in ancient times in Central Asia. This theory is based on common words and other similarities in Sanskrit and the European languages. For example : The Aryans who came to India in about 1500 BCE are called ‘ Indo – Aryans ’. They settled in the area known as ‘ Sapta Sindhu ’.
  • 5. ‘Sapta Sindhu’ referred to the region around the seven rivers – Indus and it’s tributaries — Jhelum,Chenab,Ravi,News,Satluj and Saraswati. This area was named ‘Brahmavarta’ (meaning – the land of gods). The Aryans came to India in groups.From Punjab they moved and spread over the Gagetic Valley and then southwards (as far as the Vindhya Mountains.) The land they settled down was called ‘Aryavarta’. The original inhabitants were called Dasyus. The Dasyus were subjugated by the Aryans.
  • 6. Extent of the Aryan Civilisation
  • 7. SIMILARITIES IN LANGUAGES Sanskrit Persian English petri pidar father matri madar mother bhrata biradar brother
  • 9. Sources The main historical sources of this period are literary and archaeological. SOURCES 2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOURCES 1. LITERARY SOURCE
  • 10. The Literary Sources  The Vedic Literature, i.e. The Vedas, are the most important as they give a lot of information about the religious beliefs and practices of the Aryans. The word ‘Veda’ means knowledge. The Vedas — Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda — contain hymns composed in praise of gods. Before they were written down, these hymns were passed on orally from generation to generation.  The Rig Veda (composed in 1500 BCE) is the chief source of information. Other literary sources are the Upanishads, Brahmanas, Puranas, Aranyakas and the Epics — The Ramayan by Sage Valmiki and Mahabharat by Sage Ved Vyas. These Epics provide information about the social,political,economic,and cultural life of people. That’s why the whole period (from 1500 BCE to 600 BCE) is known as Vedic Age.
  • 11. Archaeological Sources Archaeological evidence about the Vedic Age includes some distinctive pottery called as Painted Grey Ware (PGW). This painted grey ware was found in the excavations made at Hastinapur and at Atrangikhera. – The Vedas – Painted Grey Ware
  • 12. The Vedic Age Later Vedic Age (1000 BCE-600 BCE) Early Vedic Age (1500 BCE–1000 BCE)
  • 14. Political Organisation The Aryans were divided into many tribes. Each tribe settled in a particular area and number of villages sprang up. Each tribe had a king selected for his bravery and wisdom. He had to perform military and religious duties. His chief duty was to protect the tribe and it’s territory. He was called Rajan. The king assisted in his work by a senani (commander of the army) and a Purohit (chief priest). The village head (Gramini) also helped the king. He kept a fighting force ready to help the king in times of war. The Aryans had two important assemblies — The Sabha and the Samiti. The Samiti was an assembly of the people in a village. The Sabha was A smaller body consisting of senior citizens and important members. The King treated them with great respect. The Sabha gave advice to the king on important matters.
  • 15. Rajan Purohit Senani — Sabha Samiti
  • 16. Social Life Family The Aryans lived in villages (each village called ‘grama’). The society was patriarchal. Each family was known as a ‘Kul’. The eldest male member was considered the head and made all the decisions (which other had to accept.) The head (of family) was called Grihapati. Status of Women Women were respected and treated at par with men and given eduction. Wife as the husband’s partner in all the ceremonies. A father’s property was injected by his children.Sati and Purdah system did not exist. Girls had freedom to choose their husbands through the system called ‘Svayamvara’.
  • 17. Women were given a high status in the society. They actively attended assemblies and participated in debates. The system of widow remarriage was accepted. Gargi and Maitreyi were two highly educated women who lived during this time. Gargi debating with Yajnavalkaya
  • 18. The Four Varnas The ‘Varna’ system was an important feature of the Vedic Society. There were four Varna’s — Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. This system was based on occupations of the people (not on birth).  The teachers were called Brahmanas, who also conducted religious ceremonies.  Kshatriyas were rulers, administrators and warriors.  Farmers, merchants were called Vaishyas.  The group that served all the three classes was called Shudra.(comprised artisans and labourers.
  • 19. During the Early Vedic period the Varna system was flexible and no restrictions were there. Towards the end of the Later Vedic Period, occupations became hereditary and people from the same occupation formed a Varna. Slowly, the Varna system became very rigid and discriminatory.
  • 21. Religion The Aryans worshipped nature and its forces like the sun,earth,sky,wind,rain and fire. Prayers were offered to Agni,Varun,Indra. Surya, (the Sun-God) and Indra were very important God’s. There were no temples during this period. Hannah were performed and they worshipped with simple offerings and changing of hymns. Some of the Important Gods of The Vedic Period were : God Worshipped as Varun Water-God,God of seas Indra God of Rain,Storm and war Surya Sun-God Agni God of Fire Vayu God of Wind Usha Goddess of Dawn Prithivi Mother Goddess
  • 23. Food and Dress The food of the Aryans consisted of fruits,vegetables,barley,and diary products such as thee and butter. Sometimes meat was also eaten. The vedas also refer to consumption of drinks ‘Som’ and ‘Sura’. Sura was an intoxicating drink, consumed on festivals. Som was taken only during specials religious ceremonies. The Aryans dressed in clothes made of cotton and wool. Men wore dhotis and turbans. Women wore sarees. Men and Women wore ornaments made of gold,silver, and other metals.
  • 24. Amusements Chariot racing, singing, dancing, playing musical instruments (flute,drum,lute – favourite instruments),playing the game of dice were the favourite amusements of the Aryans. - CHARIOT RACING
  • 25. Economic Life In the beginning, the Aryans were pastoral. Later, they settled down and started living in one place. The Rig Veda mentions the importance of cows. The farmers of this period as a fair idea about various seasons of farming. The plough is also mentioned in the Rig Veda. Agriculture,Chariot making,metal working and cattle reading were the main and important occupations. Other occupations were pottery making,weaving,carpentry,jewellery- making,fishing. Iron was discovered during this age (1000 BCE). Priests occupied a prestigious position in the society. They acted as teachers and doctors. They knew about medicinal herbs and plants and attended to the sick. Cattle were considered the symbol of wealth. The number of cows a person has, the richer he was considered. A person owning many cows was called a Gopati.
  • 26. Transport and Trade The Aryans introduced the horse in India. Horses were used for drawing chariots. Ownership of a chariot WA regarded as a status symbol in the Vedic society. Boats were used for water transport.
  • 28. LATER VEDIC PERIOD The period between 1000 BCE – 600 BCE is known as the Later Vedic Period. The Aryans now settled in the Gangetic Valley. This period has been reconstructed on the basis of two sources ; The Vedas,The Epics and the Archaeological remains from the regions such as Hastinapur and the upper Gangetic plains.
  • 29. Political Organisation Small tribal organisation of Early Vedic Period now expanded and took the shape of large kingdoms. Some of the kingdoms established in Later Vedic Period are —  Kuru (modern Haryana, Delhi and western part of U.P.)  Kosala (region of Awash in U.P.)  Magadh (region of Patna and Gaya)  Kashi (Benaras) The position of the king became stronger.  He gained absolute power and his position became hereditary.  The king began claiming himself to be the representive of God. They performed the Ashwamedha,Vajapeya and Rajasuya sacrifices.
  • 30.  The king assumed titles of Samrat and Maharajadhiraj. Powers of the king increased and administration became complex. The king now required more officers to help him in administration. The Senani became important as he helped the Rajan to expand his territory. Another officer who gained importance was the ‘Sangrihirthi’ ( the tax collector.) The two assemblies, Sabha and Samiti, lost their importance. The common people could not afford to attend the meetings of these assemblies. Hence, these assemblies were attended only by the rich and the influential. They were now dominated by the aristocracy.
  • 31. Social Life The Family The position of women deteriorated during the period.Women were considered inferior to men.They were denied education and not allowed to read Vedic Literature. Polygamy was practised by upper class and rich including the ruling princes. Taking care of their families and serving husbands was all women were supposed to do, though religious ceremonies were still considered incomplete without them.Widow remarriage was not accepted.
  • 32. The Four Varnas Another significant change that came during this period was the rigidity in the Varna system. The children of a vaishya or shudra were no longer allowed to teach, or fight in the battlefield and had to be in the same profession as their fathsrs, irrespective of their capabilities and interest.
  • 33. Religion In the Later Vedic Period mode of worshipping became complex and complicated. The Early Vedic gods — Indra,Agni,Varun,etc were replaced by Brahma,Vishnu, Shiva. Brahma was worshipped as creator Vishnu as the preserver Shiva as the destroyer A Yajna was the most common ritual. Sometimes, elaborate Yajnas were organised, where largenumber of priests chanted mantras for days. Priests were looked upon as messengers of God and enjoyed breast power and prestige. Towards the end of this period, certain people began to raise their voice against the complicated rites,rituals,animal sacrifices and the importance of Brahmanas.
  • 34. Later Vedic Gods — Brahma,Vishnu,Shiva
  • 35. Economy Use of iron became common in this period. A number of implements and weapons were made. Though agriculture was still the most important occupation, weaving,poltergeist, jewellery making,etc developed. Rice,Barley,Wheat were cultivated.Trade flourishing and the growth of towns,cities was there towards the end of this period.
  • 36. Literature Three Vedas — Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda and The Upanishads were composed towards the end of this period. Page of Ken Upanishada
  • 37. Upanishads The Upanishads dwell on philosophical aspects of human life. Questions such as : What is God ? Who is God ? What is life ? Where does one go after death ? Are dealt in them. They lay stress on Karma (action) and Moksha (salvation). According to the Upanishads, a man’s condition and position are determined by his actions in his previous life. The Aryans believed in ‘dharma’ (the right way of living). As time progressed, superstitions and misbeliefs crept into religion.
  • 38. The Ramayana It was written by Sage Valmiki in Sanskrit. It tells the story of Sita and Rama (incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu). It contains ideal characters like Rama,Lakshman,Bharat,Hanuman and Sita. It describes a war between Rama and Ravana, ruler of Lanka. Rama kills Ravana and rescues Sita.
  • 39. The Mahabharata It was written by Sage Ved Vyas in Sanskrit. It is a long epic which describes the great battle fought between the Pandavas and the Kauravas at Kurukshetra. The epics are the main source of information about the political and social conditions prevailing in the Epic Age. They are not only of great literary value, but they also reveal high ideals of life. The Bhagvad Gita a part of Mahabharata, is one of the sacred books of the Hindus. It teaches that the soul is immortal. Though the body dies, the soul does not.
  • 40. Science The Aryans also studied various branches of science. They made accurate calendars and could predict the time of eclipses. In mathematics they were fairly advanced as they knew Anka ganita (arithmetic), Rekha ganita (geometry) and Beej ganit (algebra), astronomy and astrology (jyotish).
  • 41. Gurukul System of Education The Guru-Shishya tradition was followed in education. A student (Brahmachari) of 7 years was sent to Gurukul (family of a teacher) where he lived with his Guru. Vedic literature, mathematics, medicines,astronomy,astrology etc. Were the subjects transmitted orally. They also learnt, sword fighting, archery, wrestling, etc. To be used in the battlefields. Students served their Guru and paid gurudakshina or remuneration after the completion of their education, according to their ability.
  • 43. Brahmacharya – This was the first stage of life when a person received education and kept himself busy in attaining knowledge. Grihastha – This was the second stage of his life when he got married and fulfilled his responsibilities towards his family
  • 44. Vanprastha – This was the third stage of his life when he gave up the materialistic world and when to the forest for meditation. Sanyasa – The fourth and last stage in which he was supposed to give up all worldly ties and preach the moral values. THE FOUR ASHRAMAS