CHAPTER-32 : Sequence of Social Changes
Ancient History of India
OLD NCERT
Short Notes or Revision Notes
Social Evolution in Ancient India: From Egalitarian to Feudal
Early Society (Pre-Vedic and Vedic Period):
- Paleolithic Age:Small hunter-gatherer groups.
- Neolithic and Chalcolithic Age:Settled communities near rivers and hills.
- Rig Vedic Society (Pastoral and Tribal):
- Cattle rearing as primary source of livelihood.
- War and booty as means of wealth acquisition.
- Semi-nomadic lifestyle with emphasis on kinship.
- Early social classes: rajas (chiefs), warriors, priests.
Vedic Transition to Agriculture:
- Shift from pastoralism to agriculture upon reaching western UP.
- Peasants supported nobles, warriors, and priests.
- Limited use of iron, no metal money, or professional army.
- Peasant militia replaced tribal militia.
Post-Vedic Transformation (Iron Age):
- Aryanization:Spread of Indo-Aryan languages and dominance of upper classes.
- Ironization:Use of iron tools revolutionized agriculture, crafts, and warfare.
- Urbanization:Growth of towns boosted trade, artisans, and state income.
- Varna System:Consolidation of social hierarchy around 5th century BC.
The Gangetic Empires and Social Crisis (1st-3rd Century AD):
- Flourishing empires, trade, and urbanism.
- Art reached a peak.
- Crisis in the 3rd century AD:
- Described as “Kali Age” in Puranas.
- Referred to as “varnasankara” (mixing of varnas).
- Peasants and laborers refused assigned roles.
Rise of Landed Classes (from 3rd Century AD):
- Difficulty collecting taxes led to land grants for maintenance of elites.
- Positive aspects of land grants:
- Spread of agriculture, medicine (Ayurveda), writing, and languages.
- Increased cereal production.
- Integration of aboriginal people.
- Negative aspects:
- Emergence of a landed elite living off peasants.
- Deterioration of women’s status in upper classes (Sati practice).
Conclusion:
- Ancient Indian society transformed from egalitarian to feudal.
- Land grants became a turning point in social structure.
- Women’s roles diverged between classes.
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