Uttarvedic period: Social status

Uttarvedic period-

In the caste system complexity increased and discrimination also started to appear. The caste system is based on birth. The society was Patriarch and the importance of male elements was increasing. Society was divided into 4 caste – Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shoodr.

Four caste

The Uttarvedic period was divided into four castes. These four castes used to work according to their own castes.

Brahmin-

This caste derived the highest position in society. This cast gained supremacy on the basis of yajna, ritualistic, chanting. Task– to perform yajna, sacrifice, take charity (adaayee), studying the Vedas, teaching.

Kshatriya-

This is the second major caste in society. Task– Leadership in war, Protecting, Governing, offering yajna, studying the Vedas, giving donations.

Vaishya-

Third major caste. Work– i) Talks (Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Commerce). ii) Offering yajna, Giving a donation, studying the Vedas. They were called Anasy Balikrata (the only taxpayers).

Shudra-

The caste at the lowest position. Task-Service. This caste is called Anasyaprasya (Anyone can call and send them for any work.) But the Shudras are not considered untouchable. They were not untouchables.

Upnayan Sanskar

The right of Upnayan Sanskar(Holding Janeu) was given only to Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya. Shoodras did not have the right to do the Upnayan Sanskar

The Dwijas has the right to study the Vedas. The Dwijas – re-born. Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya are said to be in Dwijas. It was necessary for Dwijas to follow different seasons to wear Janeu.

• Brahmin – Spring season
• Kshatriya – Summer season
• Vaishya – Winter season

The society was male dominated and the status of women declined during the Rig Vedic period, but compared to the later period (later period), the situation became better. According to the evidence – the birth of sons is wished in the Rigveda but the birth of sons is not discouraged.

In Atharvaveda, the birth of sons has been wished. But the birth of daughters is believed to be the cause of misery.

In the Matrayiny Samhita– the woman has been compared to alcohol, poison and dice.

In the Yagyavalkya – Gargi dialogue, Yagyavalkya in a debate makes Gargi quiet by scolding.

Ashram System

The law of 3 ashrams occurred in Uttarvedic period.

• Brahmacharya Ashram
• Grahast Ashram
• Vanaprastha Ashram

Influence of Non-Vedic traditions, Shramana tradition-Jain, Buddhist, appears on the Sanyas Ashram. For the first time, the mention of four ashrams is found in Jabalopanishad.

Purushartha

Purushartha was 4. Purushartha makes all-round development of man.

• Religion– A group of moral duties (in Brahmacharya Ashram)
• Aarth (money)- fulfill physical needs. (For Grahasth Ashram)
• Kaam – Giving birth to the child(Offspring) (for the Grahasth Ashram)
• Moksh– Freedom from the birth-death cycle and liberation from the sorrows of life. (For Sanyas, Vanaprastha Ashram).

There are two forms of salvation– 1. Freedom from doubt – liberation from life Mahaveer Swami, Mahatma Buddha, Krishna, etc. Salvation in this life 2. Videh Mukti – Salvation after death.

Tri Rin –

One householder had to follow the tri rin.

1. Dev Rin- Gods have a role in determining the fate of man, therefore, getting rid of the god-debt by doing Yajna.
2. Pitr Rin- Parents have given birth, then marry and get the childbirth (son’s realization).
3. Rishi Rin- The role of the teachers (rishis) is in education. Study the Vedas, donate.

Marriage System-

8 types of marriages were prevalent. The first 4 marriages given below were permitted by religion and the other 4 marriages were not permitted by religion.

1. Brahma marriage – The father used to search an eligible groom for his daughter. (the knower of the Vedas) – (present marriage system)
2. Dev marriage – It was popular among the Brahmins. The father of the girl organizes the yajna, then the young man who finished the task by following the rules, the daughter being married to him.
3. Prajapaty marriage – It was like today’s marriage system. The father of the girl used to search the groom and followed the religious duties. (kanyaadaan)
4. Aarsh marriage – The father of the girl demands a cow-bull from the young man.
5. Gandharv Marriage- Groom and Virgo both fall in love and get married.
6. Asur wedding – Virgo were sold. Purchasing a poor girl and marrying her.
7. Monstrous marriage – Forcibly kidnapped the girl and getting married. It has been accepted in the Kshatriyas (Prithviraj – Sanyogita’s marriage)
8. Paisach marriage – This was the worst marriage system. Rape with sleeping or mentally retarded girl.

Panchamahagya –

1. Dev yajna/ Brahma Yagna- To perform yajna rituals.
2. Pitra Yajna – Shraddha and Tarpan for the ancestors;
3. Rishi Yajna – Study the Vedas, donate.
4. Bhoot Yajna- Offering sacrifice to all living beings. This sacrifice is not put in the fire, it kept in four directions in the open. Such as cereals for birds, cereals for ants.
5. Nra yajna/ Guest/ Human Yajna – Welcome the Guest. Gautam Dharmasutra states that- The guest not only eats in your house but also decrease your sins.

16 Sacraments-

1. Garbhaadhaan– This rite was performed prior to birth.
2. Punsavan – This rite was also done before birth.
3. Seemantonnayan– It was also performed before birth and used to do Vishnu’s prayer to protect the womb.
4. Jath-karma-The umbilical cord is cut and the father licks honey and jaggery.
5. Naamakarn– The Name is Kept.
6. Nishkarman– After 4 weeks, get outside the house and see the Sun.
7. Annaprashan– feeding food for the first time.
8. Choodaakarm– used to do Munden.
9. Karnavedh – The holes in the ears were necessary for the Brahmins.
10. Vadyaarambh– Beginning of education under the protection of parents at home.
11. Upanayan– wearing Janeu. Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya (not to the female). Brahmacharya Ashram started after this rite.
12. The study of Vedas- The study of Vedas near Guru. The formal education of the child began.
13. Keshant /Godan- It was being held in the age of 16-17 year. When the beard-mustache came for the first time, it was cleaned in the ashram of the Guru itself. (Awareness of cleanliness)
14. Samaavartan– Organized after the completion of education. donation to the Guru. The end of the Brahmacharya Ashram after this rites. Formal education ended. Graduation ceremony.
15. Marriage– 8 types of marriage. Grahasth Ashram started from this rite.
16. Antyeshti – funeral, after the death.

Reference : https://www.indiaolddays.com/