Vedic Period: The Aryans

The Aryans were semi-nomadic pastoral people and originated from sea around the Caspian  Sea in Central Asia (Many historians have given various theories regarding their original place). The central Asian theory is given by Max Muller.

Entered India probably through the Khyber Pass (Hindukush Mountains)

Early Vedic or Rig Vedic Period

Political Organisation

• Monarchial form. Tribe was known as Jan and its king as Rajan.
• Family was the basic unit of society. The family was partiarchal in nature.
• The samiti was the National Assembly of the People while the Sabha was council of Elders.

Social

• Social Structure was partiarchal.
• Women had a high place in society ans were co-workers and co-partners in the life with their husbands.
• Caste system was not hereditary, but was based on one's own profession.

Economy

• Aryans followed a mixewd economy-pastoral and agricultural in which cattle played a predominant part.
• Standard unit of exchange was cow. At the same time coins were also there.

Religion

• The Aryans personified the natural forces and looked upon them as living beings.
• The most important divinity was Indra who played the role of Warlord(breaker of forts- Purandar).