Vedic culture and early states

Vedic culture

The culture that emerged from the Vedic texts, characterized by rituals, societal norms, and religious practices of the Indo-Aryans; includes the formation of early states during the Vedic periods.

Rigvedic Age

The early period of the Vedic Age from 1500 to 1000 B.C. when the hymns of the Rigveda were composed.

Samiti

An assembly of larger groups of people that assisted the king in administration during the early Vedic Age.

Sabha

A council of elders that assisted the king in administration, distinct from the larger assembly known as Samiti.

Mahajanapadas

States formed during the later Vedic period that evolved from tribal organizations into territorial states.

Gana-Parishad

The assembly of senior and responsible citizens that held supreme authority in republican states.

Nandas

The first non-kshatriya rulers of Magadha, known for their power and for defeating other ruling princes.

Ajatasatru

A king of the Magadhan dynasty who succeeded Bimbisara and pursued an aggressive expansionist policy.

Magadha

An important Kingdom in ancient India, which rose to prominence under the leadership of Bimbisara and later Ajatasatru.

Alexander's Invasion

The incursion of Alexander the Great into India in 326 B.C., which was met with resistance from local chieftains.

Rigveda

The only source of the Early Vedic Age, composed between 1500-1000 B.C.

Patriarchal Family

The political organization of states during the Later Vedic Period, characterized by a male-led hierarchy.

Khi

A term representing the king's role and responsibilities in tribal defense and governance.

Ekrat

A title assumed by kings, meaning 'sole sovereign' in the context of the Nandas resurgence in power.

Grama

The smallest administrative unit in Vedic society, each headed by a gramani.

Vijaya

A term denoting victory, often linked to actions taken by kings during their reigns.

Punch-marked coins

Early forms of currency in ancient India made from gold, silver, and copper, facilitating trade.

Vedic culture

The culture that emerged from the Vedic texts, characterized by rituals, societal norms, and religious practices of the Indo-Aryans.

Vedas

Ancient sacred texts that form the foundation of Vedic culture, containing hymns, philosophy, and guidance.

Varna System

A social hierarchy in Vedic society dividing people into four main categories: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.

Sanskrit

An ancient Indo-European language in which the Vedas were composed, significant in the development of Indian literature.

Vedic rituals

Ceremonial acts performed by priests, significant in early Vedic society for maintaining order and seeking favor from deities.

Sons of the soil

Refers to local rulers and communities taking control of land management and political authority during the later Vedic period.

Chakravartin

A term meaning 'universal ruler', often used to describe a king who ruled over multiple kingdoms with sovereign power.

Sutra literature

Ancient texts that provide guidelines on rituals, ethics, and philosophy, emerging alongside the Vedic texts.

Kshatriya

One of the four main Varna classes, primarily associated with warriors and rulers responsible for governance and protection.

Panchayati raj

A system of local self-governance in villages, reflecting early forms of democracy and participative governance in Vedic society.