What you know about the Vedic literature. What was the social condition of the Rig-Vedic Aryans?

a. Vedic Literature:

The Vedic literature is a vast collection of books which include four Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads. Each of these was divided into Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva.

Besides, Vedangas, Sutras, etc. are also regarded ‘as an integral part of the Vedic literature. Even today the Hindus believe that the Vedic literature has been derived from divine source.

The various Rishis or Sages received the contents of the Vedas directly from God. That is why the Vedas are also known as Sruti or Revelation.

b. Social Condition:

The foundation of the social structure in the early Vedic Age was the family. The members of a family lived in the same house.

The oldest living member was the head of the family and was called Karta or Kulapa. He was responsible for maintaining discipline in the family. Honesty, religiosity and respect to elderly persons were some of the main feature of the Rig-Vedic Aryan society.

Women were held in honor and respect. Though mainly concerned with domestic duties the women also participated in religious ceremonies.

The womenfolk of the early Vedic age enjoyed much freedom and were educated and trained.

There were learned ladies like Lopamudra, Visvavara and Ghoshas, who even composed hymns and rose to the rank of Rishis. Widow-remarriage was very much in vogue.