16 Samskaras
1.Garbhadhana
2. Pumsavana
3.
Simantonnayan
4.Jatakarma
5. Namakaran
6. Nishkramana
7. Annaprashana
8.
Chudakarma
9. Karnachhedana
120. Vidyarmbha
11. Upanayana
12. Vedarambha
13. Samavaratana
14. Vivaha
15. Vanprastha
16. Antyesti.
Religion
The earlier divinites Indra and Agni were
relegated into the background while
Prajapati (creator of the Universe, later known as Brahma), Vishnu (patron god
of Aryans) and Rudra (God of animals , later identified with Shiva/ Mahesha )
rose in Prominence . Now Prajapati became
supreme God.
Pushana, who protected cattle in the early
Vedic Period now became the god of Shudras.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishada was first the
work to give the doctrine of
transmigration (Punarjanma/ Chakra) and deeds (karma).
The early simple ceremonial of Rigvedic
Period gave place to elaborate sacrifices requiring the services of as many as
17 priests. In the later Vedas and Brahamanas sacrifices (Yajnas) came into
prominence.
There were two varieties of Sacrifices:
(i)
Laghuyajnas (simple
sacrifices): Performed by householder e.g. Pancha Mahayajna , Agnihotra, Darsha
Yajna (on Amavasya i.e. on the last day of the dark fortnight ), Purnamasa
Yajna (on Purnima i.e. on the day of full moon) etc.
(ii)
Mahayajnas (Grand
sacr9ifices): Sacrifices that could only
be undertaken by an aristocrsatic and wealthy man and the king.
(a)
Rajasuya Yajna: Royal
consecration ,which in its full form
comprised a series of sacrifices lasting over a year . In later day it was
replaced by simplified Abhisheka i.e. anointment .
(b)
Vajapeya Yajna : Drink of
strength ,which lasted for a period of seventeen days upto full one year.
(c)
Asvanedha Yajna : Horse
sacrifice ,which lasted for three days.
(d)
Agnishtoma Yajna : Sacrifice of
animals dedicated to Agni, which lasted one day, although Yajnika (performer of
Yajna ) and his wife spent ascetic life for a year before Yajna. On the
occasion of the this Yajna, Soma rasa was cconsumed.
Towards the end of the
Vedic Period, there was the emergence of a strong reaction against cults ,
rituals and priestly domination; Reflection of this mood is found in the
Upanishadas.
Economy
Agriculture began to
replacle rearing of cattle. The plough was at times drawn by 24 oxen. Manure
was known.
Rice ,barley, beans,
sesame and wheat were cultivated.
Production of goods
advanced as indicated by new occupations like fisherman, washerman, dyers,
door- keepers and footmen.
Indicating specialization
distinction was drawn between the chariot- maker and the carpenter and the
tanner and the hide – dresser.
Considerable advance was
made in the knowledge of metals .
Mention of tin, silver and iron was apart from gold and ayas (either
copper or iron) in the Rig Veda.
Evidence was there
regarding organsiatioin of merchants
into guilds because of reference to corporations (Ganas) and aldermen (Sreshtrins).
PGW(Painted Grey Ware ) Culture :
1100 BC -600 BC.