culture

This is the society described by the three great epics. Until now, Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Upanishad was merely part of Indian mythology. Now, it has acquired historical roots. It is upon them that Hinduism is based. Indeed, the Bhagwad Gita, which is a part of the Mahabharata, is wholly concerned with religion and righteous duty and it is to Hindus what the Bible is to Christians. These epics give us a picture of the history of that period.

Society was rural and people lived in fortified camps. There were no big cities, which may be the reason why practically nothing of this civilization has remained. Kingship was no longer tribal, but hereditary.

The king lived on the taxes collected from the people. The cult of sacrifices accompanied by numerous rituals became central to religious ceremonies. The priests consequently gained in power. Some symbolic objects began to be worshipped and signs of idolatry are noticed in later times.

The epic society was divided into four castes:
1. Brahmins, who were the teachers and priests.
2. Warriors, whose duty it was to fight and rule.
3. Merchants, artisans and peasants
4. The Out castes, whose duty it was to perform unclean tasks like scavenging, fishing or handling carrion.

However, during the Epic age the caste division was still fluid. People could easily change their occupation according to their wish. a philosophically inclined warrior could become a priest, even an Out caste could become a priest if he was adopted by a sage. Side by side, with the Hindus were the Dravidas (aborigines), who were totally unaffected and probably ruled most of India.

Daily life in Epic age