Early Vedic Society In India.

In early Vedic period of India several family groups are mentioned in Rig-Veda to indicate separate units. They are called as Bharatas, Matsyas, Krivis, Tritsus, Yadus, Purus, Anus and etc.

Rajan was the name for the ruling chief, primarily a leader of war. He was elected by the people. Valour and military leadership was important considerations in electing him. Several verses in Rig-Veda and Athervanaveda describe the keen contest of rival candidates in the elections of Kings. Gradually, Kingship became hereditary. The Royal treasury was filled with gifts from the people, tributes of defeated tribes and the boot of war.

In Vedic period Rajan was not an absolute monarch but a sort of dignified magistrate with only executive duties. Two assemblies, Sabha and Samiti were responsible for the government of the nation. Sabha was an assembly of the distinguished great men of various activities and Samiti was the popular assembly of all Aryas, belonging to the region. Sabhasad, the member of the Sabha was greatly respected. Gramani, the representative of the Grama [Village] was also included in the Assembly.

All the members participated in the councils held by the King to discuss the matters of government and the Rajan was to act according to the decision of the members. Purohita was the learned Vedic Pandits who guided the King and the people in all matters of religious, social customs, morality, law etc. Senani was the leader of the Army.

Some of the tribes in remote villages managed their own affairs without a King. It is explained in Vedic verses that Chiefs or Rajas met together and decided matters in the tribal assembly. The word of Raja was applied to all important persons participating in the deliberations of such assemblies.

The King was in no sense divine but was duly respected. Living in a grand palace, the King conducted his court with dignity. Administration of justice was also are his important duties. But usually the disputes were settled in the village through the arbitrator, Madh-yamsi. Crimes of theft, robbery, murder, etc, were condemned and punished with heavy fines called vairadeya and shatadaya. Failure to repay debts often resulted in slavery.

The Aryas had already a class division. In hymn Purushasukta in Rig-Veda that the four classes, Brahmana, Rajanya, vaishya, and shudra. But all are belonging to the Group of Aryas only. The classes were not distinct nor were they rigid.


[Indian early Vedic society will continue]