Chapter: 2 Vedic Civilization

Chapter: 2 Vedic Civilization

 

1) When did Arya come to India?

From 1500 BC to 1000 BC

2) By which route did Arya entered India?

Via Afghanistan

3) What is meant by Arya?

The Best

4) Who propounded the Sapta Sindhu theory regarding Arya’s original native place?

A.C. Dass, K. M. Munchhi and Dr. Sampurnananda

5) In which of his book, did Swami Dayanand propounded the Tibetan Theory?

Satyartha Prakash

6) Who is author of The Arctic Home in Vedas?

Bal Gangadhar Tilak

7) According to Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Aryans were the natives of which place?

North Pole

8) Which is the most widely accepted theory regarding?

Central Asian Theory

9) Against which tribes, Aryans had to fight while entering India?

Dravidians or Dasyus and Pani

10) What were the causes of Aryan’s victory in India?

Good weapons and fast moving chariots

11) In which region, did Aryans settle first of all?

In Sapta Sindhu Region

12) Name seven rivers of Sapat Sindhu Region?

Satluj, Ravi, Bias, Chanab, Jehlam, Sind and Saraswati

13) Why was Sapta Sindhu named as Brahmavarta?

Due to the composition of the Rigveda

14) Towards which region did Aryans advance after settling in Sapta Sindhu region?

The Gangas Plains

15) What name was given to the Ganga Plans by Aryans?

The Arya Vrata

16) Which Veda was composed first of all?

 The Rigveda

17) Name three Vedas that were composed after the Rigveda.

The Samaveda, the Yajurveda and the Atharva Veda

18) How many Matras and Suktas are there in the Rigveda?

10552 Mantras, 1028 Suktas

19) In how many Mandlas, does Rigveda consist?

10 Mandlas

20) What is the total number of Upnishdas?

108

21) Which is the main source of information for period between 1000 BC to 700 BC?

The Epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata)

23) Name the lagest Epic of India?

The Mahabharata

24) How many Salokas, does Mahabharata contain?

More than one lac

25) Who composed the Mahabharata?

Maharishi Ved Vyas

26) Who composed the Ramayana?

Maharish Valmiki

27) Which was the smallest unit of administration during the Vedic Period?

Family

28) What was the head of the family called in Vedic Age?

Grihapati or Kulpati

29) What was the head of the village called in Vedic Age?

Gramni or Grehman

30) What was the Vish?

A group of villages

31) What was the head of Vish called in Vedic Period?

Vishpati

32) Which unit of administration was created by combining some Vishyas?

Jana

33) What was the head of Jana called?

Rajan or Raja

34) Was the king elected or this post was hereditary?

The post of King was hereditary

35) Name two organisations which helped King?

Sabna and Samiti

36) What kind of families existed in Vedic Age?

Joint Family

37) Who was the head of a Vedic Family?

Father

38) What was the basis of classification of people during Vedic Period?

Profession

39) Did the caste system exist during the Vedic Age?

No

40) What was the main source of entertainment of Aryans?

Chariot Races

41) Whom did Aryans worship?

Natural Powers

42) How many Deities are mentioned in Rigveda?

33

43) Who did Aryans consider the mightiest Deity?

The Varuna

44) Which natural power did Varuna possess?

The Sky

45) Name the second mightiest Deity of Aryans?

The Indra

46) The Indra possesed which major powers?

Rain and War

47) The most of Mantras in the Rigveda, are composed in the praise of which Diety?

The Indra

48) The Agni was concerned with which ceremoties?

Marriage and Creamation

49) Who was the Lord of Thunder?

The Rudra

50) Who was the Lord of Death?

The Yama

51) The Arnayi was related to which natural power?

Forests

52) Which animal was used as a mean to exchange intrade?

Cow

53) Which age started after the Rigvedic age?

Later Vedic Age

54) Which Yajna was considered the most famous during the Later Vedic Age?

Ashwamedha Yajana

55) Who was Samagrihatri?

The revenue collecter

56) Who appointed the ministers?

 DO the King

57) What were the ministers called during Later Vedic Age?

The Ratnins

58) In which age, the condition of women deteriorated?

During Later Vedic Age

59) In Varna Ashram, human’s age was assumed to be how many years?

100 Years

60) How many Ashrams were there in Varna Ashram System?

4

61) Name all the Asrhams.

Brahamacharin, Grihastha, Vanprastha, Sanyasin

62) What was Dwiza mean?

Second Birth

63) Who were considered the Dwiza?

Brahmins, Kashatriya & Vaishya

64) When was Upnayana ceremony conducted?

At the time when a child started getting education

65) Which deity was considered most important in Later-Vedic period?

God Brahma

66) What were the Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv together called?

Tridev

67) How many ceremonies were performed by individual in Later-Vedic age?

40

68) What was the main occupation of Aryans?

Agriculture

69) What was considered the symbol of wealth in Later-Vedic age?

the number of cattle

70) Name the coins which were used during Later-Vedic age?

Nishka, Satmana and Krishmana

 

(3 Marks Questions/ Answers)

 

1) Who were Aryans?

Ans: The meaning of Aryan is ‘The Best’. Aryans are one of the most civilized people of the world. They are brave people with long and strong physique with fair complextion. In ancient times, they left their native place and migrated to the different parts of the world.

 

2) Write short note on Sapta Sindhu theory about the native place of Aryans?

Ans: This theory was propounded by A.C. Dass, K. M. Munchhi and Dr. Sampurna Nand. According to these historians, Aryans were the natives of Sapta Sindhu region. These historians say that only Sapta Sindhu region is mentioned in the Rigveda. Had Aryans advanced from some other region, it would have been mentioned in the Rigveda. Rivers, plants, animals, birds etc., mentioned in the Rigveda are found only in Sapta Sindhu region.

 

3) What do you know about the North Pole Theory about the native place of Aryans?

Ans: This theory was propounded by famous scholar Bal Gangadhar Tilak. In his book, ‘The Arctic Home in the Vedas’ Tilak says that Aryans were the natives of North Pole. According to Tilak, the climate of Arctic region was pleasant in the beginning but later on it turned acute cold which made the Aryans to leave the area.

 

4) What are Mex Mullar’s views regarding the original home of Aryans?

Ans: According to Mex Mullar, Aryans were the natives of the Central Asia. According to him the ancestors of Indians, Greeks, Latins, Romans, Germans and English lived together in Central Asia. It is the reason that notable similarity is found in their languages. Mex Muller believed that increase in population and scarcity of food made them to leave their native place. They left their native place and moved to different parts of world. Most of the scholars support Mex Mullar’s theory.

5) What was the importance of Sabha and Samiti in the Rigvedic Period?

Ans: The Sabha and the Samiti were very important organisations of the Rigvedic Period. The Sabha included elderly people of the village while all the members of the village/ tribe were the members of the Samiti. The Sabha and the Samiti helped the king in administration. These organisations were such strong that they could deprive the king from his post.

 

6) What do you know about the art of warfare of Rigvedic Age?

Ans: Rigvedic kings, princes, royal family people and higher officials used chariots in war. Chief weapon of the Rigvedic age was bow and arrow. They also used small swords, javellins, axes etc. The Aryans followed ethics even in war. They didn’t attack unarmed or sleeping enemy, females, old people and children.

 

7) Write short note on the Rigvedic Family.

Ans: The families during the Rigvedic period were much prosperous. There was joint family system. Eldest male member was the head of the family. He was known as the Grihapati or Kulpati. All the family members obayed him. Females were treated equal to the male members. Having a son in family was also considered essential.

 

8) Write a short note on the condition of woman in Rigvedic age.

Ans: Women enjoyed respectable position in society. They were considered equal to male members in society. No religious ceremony was considered completed in the absence of woman. They could get higher education and choose their husband. They participated in dance, music, fairs and religious ceremonies.

 

9) Write short note on the Rigvedic dieties.

Ans: Aryans worshipped natural powers. Varun was their chief diety. Varun was the Lord of the Sky. Second place was occupied by the Indera. The Indera was the Lord of rain and war. The Aryans worshipped the Usha, the Ratri, the Prithvi and the Arnayi etc. They performed yajnas to please their deities.

 

10) What is meant by Transmigration (Rebirth) or Karma Theory?

Ans: According to Transmigration theory a human gets birth and dies. This cycle of birth and death remains continue endlessly. To come out of this cycle, one needs to get the salvation. According to Karma theory, the deeds of the person are rewarded in following birth. To get out from the cycle of birth and death, one should do good deeds.

 

11) What was the importance of Yajnas in Aryan Society?

Ans: Yajnas were a vital part in the Aryans society. In the beginning, the Yajna were performed on a small scale. These were attended by only the host and the family members. Later on they elaborated. All the community members started participating. The customs and rituals associated with the Yanjanas become complex and costly. The chief aim of Yajna was to please the deities.

 

12) Write short note on economic life of the Aryans.

Ans: The Aryans were originally cattle hearders. Later on they learnt the art of growing crops. Agriculture became their chief profession. Fields were ploughed with the help of oxen. Rain- water was the main source of irrigation. They used organic manure. The production of crops was large. Some people were engaged in cattle rearing and trade also. Trade was carried through Barter system.

 

13) What were the features of agriculture during the Aryan age?

Ans:

I. The size of form was large.

II. Rain-water was main source of irrigation.

III. Oxen were used to plough the fields.

IV. Organic manure was used.

V. Wheat, barley and rice were major crops.

 

14) What were the changes that took place in the Aryan society during the Later-Vedic Age?

Ans: The status of the women became lower. Birth of a female was considered inauspicious. They were deprived from the right to inherit family property. Caste system became much rigid. The Sabha and the Samiti lost their power. The post of king became more powerful. Varna Ashram system began in this period.

 

15) Write short note on Varna Ashram System.

Ans: Varna Ashram system existed in Later-Vedic Age. In this system, the human age was assumed 100 years. These 100 years were divided into 4 Ashrams of 25 years each. These Ashrams were Brahamacharin, Grihastha, Vanaprashta and Sanyas. In first Ashram, an individual studied, in second Ashram he got married and spent life as a family man, in third he moved to forest and studied philosophy and spirituality and in the last Ashram an individual got salvation.

 

16) Write short note on Ashwamedha Yajna.

Ans: Ashwamedha was one of the most important Yajna of the Vedic Age. The king performed this Yajna to prove his imperial sovereigny. Before performing the Yajna, a horse was left to wander along with king’s warriers. The area traversed by the horse was considered as the area of the king who left the horse.

 

17) What changes took place in the religious life of people during Later-Vedic Age?

Ans: People started worshipping new deities. The Brahma was considered as the most important deity. Second highest deity was the Vishnu and third was the Shiva. The worship of Goddess Durga, Goddess Kali and Goddess Parvati increased. Yajnas got complicated. Theory of Transmigration and Karma origined.

 

18) What changes took place in the economic life of people during Later Vedic Age?

Ans: This period saw great development in agriculture. People started using manures to get more production of crops. Trade flourished. Coins were used extensively. Boats and small ships were used to transport the trade goods. New occupational origined during this period.

 

19) What is the contribution of Aryans to the Indian Civilization?

Ans: Aryans created Vedic literature which is a great source of knowledge. They taught us the democratic values. They helped in the development of agriculture. We have learnt to respect the woman from Aryans. Aryans theories of Transmigration and Karma are still the part of our way of life.

 

Six Marks Questions

 

Questions 1. Who were the Aryans? Explain the principles related to the place of origin of Arya?

Answer: The primary source of information related to Aryans is Vedic literature. The word Aryan was first used in the Vedas. Rig Veda, Sam Veda, Yajurveda and Atharv Veda have an important place in Indian culture. The Rig Veda is considered to be the oldest scripture. It is clear that these Vedas are as ancient as the time of existence of the Aryan people. While these Granths have religious and political significance, due to their social and economic significance, these Granths provide important information about the life of the Arya people. Arya lived around 1500 BC. They entered India from Central Asia via Afghanistan. They played an important role in building a sublime civilization in India. In Sanskrit Aryans means Superior. The reason Aryans are considered superior may be because of their bravery, strong physique, tall stature and white complexion. Due to this many people in Asia and Europe still proudly call themselves Aryans.

 

Aryan's doctrine of native place: - There is a great difference between the doctrines and ideologies of Arya's native place. Each historian has used a different source to make his point. These principles are described as follows: -

1. Sapat Sindhu doctrinet: - Historians AC Das, KM Munshi and Sampurna Nand related to this doctrine are supporters of this doctrine. According to them, Arya did not come from outside the country but they were originally from Sapat Sindhu. To prove his point, he says that the only information available in the Rig Veda is about Sapat Sindhu. The landscapes, landscapes, water sources, creatures described in the Rig Veda are related to the Indus. But this idea is criticized on many grounds. One is that the Aryan and slave wars in India prove that they were not Indians. The second argument is that the Aryans did not know about the Indian animal, the lion and the elephant. If they were natives of India, they would have known about the animals found in India. Thirdly, the basis of their knowledge is only the Vedas and there is no such information which proves that the Aryans may have left a country like India and gone elsewhere.

2. Doctrine of Tibbet: - The basis of this theory is the book Satyarth Prakash written by Swami Dayanand Ji. According to this theory, the abode of Arya is Tibet. The reason for this, he said, is that it is very cold in Tibet, and the sun and fire remove this cold. The Aryas worship these two, he said on the basis of the logic that the Aryas were natives of Tibet. Opposing his view, critics say that cold falls in many other countries as well, and in many places people do not worship the sun and fire despite the cold.

3. Theory of Austria-Hungary: - Dr. Gaye giving his ideology says that all the languages from the Ganges valley to Ireland belong to the same language family. It is possible that the people here may not have lived in one place but may have traveled in groups to other countries. According to him, these people were Aryans. McDougall says that what Arya knew was found in Hungary and Austria. Aryans worked in agriculture and animal husbandry which are related to Hungary. But even this principle cannot be accepted.

4. Theory of the North Pole: - Bal Gangadhar Tilak who is a famous Indian scholar has said in his book that Aryans was a resident of the North Pole. The day lasts for six months as well as the night lasts for six months. This is possible only at the North Pole. From this place he went to other countries. Scholars believe that the North Pole is not described in the Rig Veda.

 

5. Theory of Central Asia: According to Prof. Max Muller, the Aryans were the inhabitants of Central Asia. He drew this conclusion from an in-depth study of the Aryan languages. There is similarity in language. He thinks that the Aryans migrated from Central Asia to other parts of the world. It may have happened but it is not known which race of Aryans entered India.

 

6. Theoretical Theory: - The highest theory is considered to be the theory of Central Asia as the people of India and Europe from Central Asia gradually spread from this place to other countries. The second reason is the theory of Indus Valley due to the discovery of Indus Valley. The Aryan literature also shows that their ancestors lived together. The natural places in the Aryan books are in Central Asia. Most scholars do not agree with this theory.

 

Question 2. Describe the political life of the Arya people while describing the political institutions associated with them.

 

A. The lifestyle and structure of Aryan politics is described in the Vedas which can be described as follows.

 

1. ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE: - Social Administration was divided into smaller units for convenience. The administration began with the family unit. The head of the household was called Grihapati. The family together formed the village and group of villages formed the VISH. Many VISH together formed a Jan. The Rig Veda describes these Janapadas. They had different names. The chief of the people was called Raja.

2. Rajan or Chief of the Tribe: - The chief of the tribe was a king whose main duty was to establish welfare, protection and peace of the people under him. Disputes were also settled by him. At first, qualification was the main basis for becoming a king, but later it was inherited.

3. Minister or State Officer: - Ministers of high character were appointed to assist and administer the affairs properly. Priests, warriors and graminies were among the prominent ministers. Priests served in the countryside for religious purposes, soldiers served in wars and graminies served as spies.

4. Sabha and Samiti: - These were important institutions of the Rig Vedic period to run the affairs of the king. The elders in the assembly assisted the king in political matters and all the members of the assembly made important decisions.

5. Judicial Institution: - Raja was the important source of justice and he was the one who administered justice to the people without any discrimination. Offenders were severely punished.

6. The method of warfare: - These people had complete knowledge of the art of fighting. Kings or people associated with kings fought on chariots. Many types of weapons were used by these people at that time. Weak people were not attacked by them and the enemy acted bravely.

 

Question 3. What was the social life of Rig Vedic Arya like? Provide detailed information.

Answer: The social life of Rig Vedic Aryans was as follows-

1. Family Life: - Aryan people were shepherds, they used to roam in search of cattle fodder. The Rig Vedic Aryan had given up the life of wandering and started building houses. The family was very important in the social life of Aryan, the Aryan family was a joint family. The head of the family was the oldest person. He was called Grahipati. There was a tribe of many dynasties. The people of one tribe settled in a village.

2. The place of women in the society: - In the Rig Vedic society women were highly respected. Daughter birth was not considered bad and education of women was also provided. There are many mantras composed by women in the Rig Veda, among which Ghosha, Vishwavara, Mudgalani, Apala, Lopamdra, Shardha etc. are the main ones. No Yagya would be completed without the presence of women. Women were allowed to choose the husband of their choice. There was no practice of veil, sati, child marriage in the society. A widow could marry her brother-in-law.

3. Caste Practice: - According to a mantra in the Rig Veda, Brahmins are born from the mouth of God, Kashtari from the arms, Vaish from the abdomen and Shudra from the feet. But historians disagree with this view. During the Rig Vedic period, society was divided into two categories, Aryan and Anaryan, called Dasu. There was a difference between their language and religion. Aryan was white and Dasu was black and had a flat nose.

4. Food: - The main food of Aryan was wheat, rice, milk, ghee, vegetables, fruits etc. Aryan people also ate meat of sheep and goats. Aryan also drank alcohol which was also called Somras.

5. Attire and Jewelry: - Rig Vedic Aryan used to wear very beautiful but simple clothes. They used cotton, wool, and silk, they sometimes used animal skins to cover their bodies. Both Arya men and women were fond of jewelery. Women wore jewelry on their noses, ears, heads, fingers, arms and necks.

6. Education: - During the Rig Vedic period, students received education from their Guru in Gurukuls. Apart from Vedic education, mathematics, grammar, moral education and military education were also imparted.

7. Entertainment: - The means of entertainment of Arya people were horse races, chariot races, hunting, gambling and dance songs. The Aryas sang hymns of devotion to the Lord.

 

Question 4. Discuss the religious and economic life of the Rig Vedic Arya people.

Answer: - Religious life

 

1. Priests of Nature: - Nature was very important in the religious life of the Rig Vedic Arya people. They worshiped nature as a god. The greatest deity of the Arya people was Varun, the god of the sky. Indra, the god of rain and war, was the second great deity of the Rig Vedic Aryas. Apart from these deities, the Aryas worshiped many other deities, including Agni, Suraj, Rudra, etc. Arya used to worship Ratri Devi, Usha Devi, Arnai Devi etc. The Aryans believed in one God and considered all deities to be the form of that God.

2. Yagya: - Rig Vedic Arya people used to perform Yagya-Havan to please the gods and goddesses. There were many types of Yagya. Some Yags were small in duration while many Yags were lasts for years. These Yagas were attended by a large number of Parohits, who held special honors in the Arya society. The purpose of Yagya and sacrifices was to avoid the wrath of the gods and to please them. These Yags were conducted in war for victory, wealth, children etc.

 

Economic life: -

 

1. Animal Husbandry: - The main occupation of the Rig Vedic Arya people was animal husbandry. The early Aryans were shepherds. The Aryans mainly raised sheep, goats, cows and dogs. The number of animals was the measure of the wealth of the Aryan people. The one with more animals was considered richer. The cow was considered the holiest animal of the Aryans.

2. Agriculture: - Rig Vedic Arya had now started living in one place by building houses. The Aryas had cleared vast forests and turned them into arable land. Thus agriculture became the second main occupation of the Aryan people. The land was plowed with a plow. Rain was the main source of irrigation. Apart from this, wells and small canals were also used for irrigation. The main crops of the Rig Vedic Aryan were wheat, barley and rice.

3. Trade: - Aryans also used to trade. The way of doing business was to exchange goods. Most items were priced based on cows. Traders were called ‘Pani’. The Rig Veda also mentions maritime trade. Bullock carts and chariots were used for transportation.

4. Other occupations: -Apart from the above occupations, Rig Vedic Aryans also do pottery work, woodworking tools, textile weaving, iron weapon making, leather work etc. There were also physicians who used herbs to treat people. In the Rig Vedic period no work was considered small or large.

 

Question 5. Write about the political life of Post Vedic Aryan civilization.

ANSWER: The Post-Vedic Aryan period civilization developed several hundred years after the Rig Vedic civilization. We get the knowledge of this culture from the Samveda, Yajurveda, Atharveda, Upanishad and Brahman texts written after the Rig Veda. According to Dr. RS. Tripathi and Dr. RC. Majumdar, the period of post-Vedic civilization dates back to 1200 BC to 600 BC. This culture was different from the Rig Vedic culture. The political life of the post-Vedic Aryan civilization is as follows: -

 

1. Rajan: In the post-Vedic period, the Raja became very powerful. At that time the king had assumed the titles of Sarvbhom, Samrat, Virat, Rajadhiraja, Adhiraja and Chakravarti. The king's throne was now inherited. The king used to get Rajsui, Vajpayee and Ashwamedh Yagya to demonstrate his power.

2. Minister: In the post-Vedic period, ministers were appointed by the king himself. The number of ministers had increased significantly. The Sabha and Samiti which had been functioning since the Rig Vedic period could no longer dethrone the king due to the decline in the power of these institutions.

3. Army: In the Rig Vedic period the king depended on the army of the tribe but in the post- Vedic period the king kept his permanent army. Post-Vedic literature states that the ruler of Kuru was always surrounded by 64 warriors. Satpath Brahman mentions that the ruler of Panchal had 6033 brave soldiers for the perfection of Athwamedh Yagya.

Question 6. Write the characteristics of the social life of the Post-Vedic civilization.

ANSWER: The social life of the Post-Vedic civilization was very different from that of the Rig Vedic civilization.

 

1. Changes in the condition of women: - The condition of women in the post-Vedic period was pitiable. Women no longer received anything from their father's estate. During this time the practice of polygamy, child marriage etc. had started in the society but the practice of Parda, Sati, Kanya Hatya etc. had not started yet.

2. Caste system: - During the Post-Vedic period, Aryans were divided into four main castes Brahmins, Kashtriyas, Vaish and Shudras. The job of a Brahmin was to perform pooja, the job of a Kashtari was to fight, the job of a Vaish was to trade and the job of a Shudra was to serve the above three castes, but the condition of the Shudras was not yet pitiable.

3. Four Ashram: In the post-Vedic period, human life was considered as 100 years and was divided into four parts of 25-25 years. The first 25 years were called Brahmachari Ashram. During this time the person was getting education. The second period of 25 years i.e. 25-50 years was Grihastha Ashram. In this ashram one could get married and earn money. The third 25 years, i.e. 50-75 years, was called Banprastha Ashram. During this time a person would leave home and acquire spiritual knowledge in the forests. The fourth and last 25 years were called Sannyas Ashram. In it one would attain Moksha in the jungles by leaving home and family.

4. Food: - Post Vedic Arya's food consisted of wheat, rice, fruits, milk, butter and buttermilk. The Aryans also ate meat. Drinking alcohol was considered a social evil.

5. Attire and Jewelry: - The dress of Post Vedic period Aryans was simple. They wore clothes made of cotton, wool or silk. Sometimes animal skins were also used to cover the body. Both the Arya women and men wore jewelery.

6. Sports and Entertainment: - Post Vedic Aryans used to entertain themselves by playing hunting, chariot race, horse race, dance songs, drama and gambling. Aryan men and women used to dance together.

 

Question 7. Describe the religious features of the culture of the post-Vedic period.

Answer. The following are the religious beliefs of the Vedic period Arya:

1. New Gods and Goddesses: - The importance of the gods and goddesses of the Rig Vedic period had diminished in the post-Vedic period. The importance of worshiping Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu got increased instead of Indra and Varuna, the gods of the Rig Vedic period. During this period Brahma's place was supreme, he was considered the creator of the universe. After Brahma, Vishnu came to be considered the Lord of all. Worship of Ram and Krishna was also started.

2. Yagyas and Sacrifices: - Post Vedic Aryans had started the practice of various types of Yags and animal sacrifices to please the gods and goddesses. A human being had to undergo 40 rites from birth to death. These Yags sometimes went on for years, with much emphasis on the recitation of mantras and their accuracy. Apart from animal sacrifice, the practice of human sacrifice also became prevalent.

3. Superstition: - Superstition was very prevalent among the Aryans of the post-Vedic period. They began to believe in demons, magic, and sorcery.

4. Theory of Transmigration, Salvation and Karma: - The principles of rebirth, salvation and karma were developed in the post-Vedic period. People went to great lengths to attain salvation. According to the principle of karma, a human being would get the reward of the deeds done, the one who does good deeds gets Moksha and by doing bad deeds the human being gets stuck in the cycle of transmigration and had to give birth to animals again and again.

 

8. What does Aryans have to offer to Indian culture? Explain.

Answer. The Aryan civilization has a great contribution to make to the Indian culture. The influence of Vedic Aryan is visible on every aspect of Indian life today. The culture of the Aryan people has made significant contributions to the political, social, religious, economic and literary aspects of India.

1. Giving from the political point of view: - The real giving of the present Indian democratic state belongs to the Aryan culture. Aryan had banned the Raja's autocracy with the institution of 'Sabha and Samiti’. Today's system of governance in the villages is in perfect harmony with the rural life of the Vedic Aryan period.

2. Social Giving: - In Aryan culture the head of the family was the oldest man who is still a part of our society. Respect for women and giving them the same status as men was also a feature of Aryan civilization.

3. Religious Giving: - Aryan people used to worship many gods and goddesses, they performed Yagya to please them. All these practices are still prevalent in Indian Hindu society.

4. Giving of caste system: - From Vedic literature we know that at that time the society was divided into four castes Brahman, Kashtari, Vaish and Shudaras. This caste system became more rigid in the post-Vedic period and these castes were divided into sub-castes. The caste system run by the Aryans is still a part of our society.

5. From the economic point of view: - The main occupation of the Aryan was animal husbandry and agriculture. The Aryan people cleared vast forests and made them agricultural land. Animal Husbandry and Agriculture make a significant contribution to the economy of present day India.

6. Giving from the literary side: - Vedic literature written by AryaLoka is an invaluable source of knowledge. The Sanskrit language belongs to the Arya people. Rig Veda, Sam Veda, Yajurveda, Athar Veda, Brahman, Upanishad, Purana, Ramayana and Mahabharata Granth are the embodiment of Vedic literature.