The Vedic Traditions
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.2.2
The Vedic Society
Indus Valley
- The Vedic society existed a long time ago near the valley of the Indus river
- The Vedic period dates from about 1500 – 500 BCE.
- They lived where modern-day Northen India and Pakistan are.
Vedic society
- As the Vedic tribes settled, they formed townships, principalities and kingdoms.
- Social classes developed and became the basis of the caste system.
- The caste system indicated the social responsibilities of each group.
- For example: administrators and merchants.
Vedic culture
- Vedic society relied on agriculture and trade.
- Rivers, especially the Ganges, were of vital importance.
- Other economic activities included:
- Work with metals (gold and bronze).
- Production of jewellery.
Vedic Religion
Vedic Religion
- The Vedic period also saw the development of the Vedic religion.
- Vedic religion believed in a series of deities, including:
- Agni, who represented the fire of sacrifice.
- Surya, the Sun god.
- Vayu, the lord of the Wind.
- Another characteristic of Vedic religion is the belief that rivers were goddesses. This is due to their importance for life and growth.
Vedic worship
- Worship of Vedic gods took the form of sacrifice and chanting of verses from sacred texts.
- Vedic people prayed to the gods for many things, such as rain and children.
- They prayed to live full and happy lives.
- Vedic people believed the universe had an order.
- Everything in it needed to follow that order.
- These beliefs and practices are the Brahmanical Ideology, or Brahmanism.
Sacred texts
- An important feature of Brahmanism was the writing of sacred texts. These texts are ‘The Vedas’.
- The Vedas include instructions about how to perform worship.
- They also include poetry and mantras.
- The Brahmins (priests) led ceremonies and remembered the hymns by heart.
- The Vedas also give instructions about social and moral behaviour.
Rig-Veda & Upanishads
- The Vedas include the Rig-Veda. This has hymns and instructions on how to perform religious rituals.
- The Vedas also include the Upanishads. These speak about meditation and philosophy.
Test yourself on The Vedic Traditions
What are the religious beliefs and practices of the Vedic period called?