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Vedic Religion and Rituals
- Religion and rituals played an important role in Vedic society.
- In the Rig Veda, the natural forces sun, moon, rivers, mountains and rains were defined as divinities.
- The religion was naturalistic and polytheistic.
- Indra was the most important god and he was called Purandara.
- Agni was seen as intermediary between god and people.
- Surya was a god who removed darkness.
- Ushas was the goddess of dawn.
- Aditi, Prithvi and Sinivali are other goddesses.
- Varuna, the god of water was next in importance.
- This god was the upholder of natural order.
- Soma was the god of plants and the drink was named after him.
- Soma drink was part of the ritual and the preparation of this intoxicating drink is explained in many hymns.
- Maruts was the god of strength.
- Interestingly there are few references to Rudra or Siva.
- Rituals were adopted as a solution to many issues and the problems of day-to-day life and thus the priests had an important role in the society.
Characteristics of Society
- In the early Vedic period lineage and tribes constituted society, and the king had limited power.
- The various tribal groups of Aryans and non-Aryans fought to control the territories.
- Social divisions did not take deep root, although the concept of varna and Aryan identities existed.
- Pastoralism was predominant and cattle centred clashes were common, although agriculture did play an important role.
- The archaeological sites suggest different types of craft production including metal, carpentry, pottery and clothes.
