Culture and Civilization

Have you ever wondered why the one who is poor and in a shabby
attire is regarded as uncivilized, even though he may be the most
cultured person and the one in a sophisticated outfit, is called
civilized, but, may not be having the sense of culture? Culture is
everything about the human society, i.e. it refers to the knowledge
and features of a specific group of people living in a region

On the other extreme, civilization is the breakthrough of the human

society meaning that it is the advanced level of social and human
development.

People often conflate the terms culture and civilization and end up
using them synonymously. Go through with the article presented
before you, to have a deeper understanding of the difference
between culture and civilization.

Definition of Culture

The term ‘culture’ is a Latin origin of the world ‘cultus’, which refers
to cultivating or refining something, in such a way that it provides
admiration and respect. In finer terms, culture is the way people live,
reflected in the language they spoke, food they eat, clothes they wear
and the Diety they follow or worship. It expresses the manner in
which one thinks and do things.

In other words, culture is the set of knowledge, experiences and

behaviours which is commonly shared by a group of people. It is
something that a person gains through learning.
Culture includes art, knowledge, belief, customs, traditions, morals,
festivals, values, attitudes, habits and so on which are inherited by a
person as a member of society. It is everything; an individual achieves
as a member of a social group. It can be seen in the literature, music,
dance forms, religious practices, dressing style, food habits, ways of
greeting others, recreation and enjoyment. Different cultures can be
found in different places, as it varies from region to region

Characteristics of culture:

(i) Culture is an acquired quality:

Culture is not innate. Traits learned through socialization, habits and

thoughts are what is called culture. Culture is learned. Any behaviour
which is socially acquired is called learned behaviour.

(ii) Culture is social, not individual heritage of man:

It is inclusive of the expectations of the members of the groups. It is a

social product which is shared by most members of the group.

(iii) Culture is idealistic:

Culture embodies the ideas and norms of a group. It is a sum-total of

the ideal patterns and norms of behaviour of a group. It is the
manifestation of human mind in the course of history.

(iv) Culture is the total social heritage:

Culture is linked with the past. The past endures because it lives in
culture. It is passed from one generation to another through traditions
and customs.
(v) Culture fulfills some needs:

Culture fulfills those ethical and social needs of the groups which are
ends in themselves.

(vi) Culture is an integrated system:

Culture possesses an order and system. Its various parts are

integrated with each other and any new element which is introduced
is also integrated.

(vii) Language is the chief vehicle of culture:

Man lives not only in the present but also in the past and future. This
he is enabled to do because he possesses language which transmits
to him what was learnt in the past and enables him to transmit the
accumulated wisdom.

(viii) Culture evolves into more complex forms through division of

labour which develops special skills and increases the
interdependence of society’s members.

Definition of Civilization

Civilization is described as a process of civilizing or say developing

the state of human society, to the extent that the culture, industry,
technology, government, etc. reaches the maximum level. The term
‘civilization’ is derived from a Latin term ‘civis’ which indicates
‘someone who resides in a town’.

The term ‘civilization’ is not confined to town; rather it talks about

adopting better ways of living, and making best possible use of
nature’s resources, so as to satisfy the needs of the group of people.
Further, it stresses on systematising society into various groups that
work collectively and constantly to improve the quality of life,
regarding food, education, dress, communication, transportation, and
the like

Key Differences Between Culture and Civilization

The following points are noteworthy, so far as the difference

between culture and civilization is concerned:

1. The term ‘culture’ refers to the embodiment of the manner in

which we think, behave and act. On the contrary, the improved
stage of human society, where members have the considerable
amount of social and political organisation and development, is
called Civilization.
2. Our culture describes what we are, but our civilization explains
what we have or what we make use of.
3. Culture is an end; it has no measurement standards. As against
this, civilization has precise measurement standards, because it
is a means.
4. The culture of a particular region can be reflected in religion, art,
dance, literature, customs, morals, music, philosophy, etc. On
the other hand, the civilization is exhibited in the law,
administration, infrastructure, architecture, social arrangement,
etc. of that area.
5. Culture denote the greatest level of inner refinement, and so it
is internal. Unlike, civilization which is external, i.e. it is the
expression of state of the art technology, product, devices,
infrastructure and so forth.
6. Change in culture is observed with time, as in the old thoughts
and traditions lost with the passage of time and new ones are
added to it which are then transmitted from one generation to
another. On the flip side, civilization is continuously advancing,
 i.e. the various elements of civilization like means of
transportation, communication, etc. are developing day by day.
7. Culture can evolve and flourish, even if the civilization does not
exist. In contrast, civilization cannot grow and exist without
culture.

Conclusion

Therefore, one should not confuse culture for civilization. However,

both are created by human beings and expresses, the way we led our
lives. These two gives us the ideas, ideals, values and ways to live a
decent and lavish life

Key Differences

Difference Between Culture and Civilization

Have you ever wondered why the one who is poor and in a shabby
attire is regarded as uncivilized, even though he may be the most
cultured person and the one in a sophisticated outfit, is called
civilized, but, may not be having the sense of culture? Culture is
everything about the human society, i.e. it refers to the knowledge
and features of a specific group of people living in a region.

On the other extreme, civilization is the breakthrough of the human

society meaning that it is the advanced level of social and human
development.

People often conflate the terms culture and civilization and end up
using them synonymously. Go through with the article presented
before you, to have a deeper understanding of the difference
between culture and civilization.
Content: Culture Vs Civilization

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart
BASIS FOR
CULTURE CIVILIZATION
COMPARISON

Meaning Culture is a Civilization

term used to refers to the
denote the process
manifestation through which
of the manner a region or
in which we society,
think, behave outstretches an
and act. advanced stage
of human
development
and
organization.

What is it? End Means

Represents What we are? What we

possess?

Reflected in Religion, art, Law,

dance, administration,
literature, infrastructure,
customs, architecture,
morals, social
music, arrangement,
philosophy, etc.
etc.
 BASIS FOR
CULTURE CIVILIZATION
COMPARISON

Expression Higher level Higher level of

of inner general
refinement. development.

Advancement No Yes

Interdependency Culture can Civilization

grow and cannot grow
exist without and exist
civilization. without
culture.

Definition of Culture

The term ‘culture’ is a Latin origin of the world ‘cultus’, which refers
to cultivating or refining something, in such a way that it provides
admiration and respect. In finer terms, culture is the way people live,
reflected in the language they spoke, food they eat, clothes they wear
and the Diety they follow or worship. It expresses the manner in
which one thinks and do things.

In other words, culture is the set of knowledge, experiences and

behaviours which is commonly shared by a group of people. It is
something that a person gains through learning.

Culture includes art, knowledge, belief, customs, traditions, morals,

festivals, values, attitudes, habits and so on which are inherited by a
person as a member of society. It is everything; an individual achieves
as a member of a social group. It can be seen in the literature, music,
dance forms, religious practices, dressing style, food habits, ways of
greeting others, recreation and enjoyment. Different cultures can be
found in different places, as it varies from region to region.

Definition of Civilization

Civilization is described as a process of civilizing or say developing

the state of human society, to the extent that the culture, industry,
technology, government, etc. reaches the maximum level. The term
‘civilization’ is derived from a Latin term ‘civis’ which indicates
‘someone who resides in a town’.

The term ‘civilization’ is not confined to town; rather it talks about

adopting better ways of living, and making best possible use of
nature’s resources, so as to satisfy the needs of the group of people.
Further, it stresses on systematising society into various groups that
work collectively and constantly to improve the quality of life,
regarding food, education, dress, communication, transportation, and
the like.

Key Differences Between Culture and Civilization

The following points are noteworthy, so far as the difference

between culture and civilization is concerned:

1. The term ‘culture’ refers to the embodiment of the manner in

which we think, behave and act. On the contrary, the improved
stage of human society, where members have the considerable
amount of social and political organisation and development, is
called Civilization.
2. Our culture describes what we are, but our civilization explains
what we have or what we make use of.
 3. Culture is an end; it has no measurement standards. As against
this, civilization has precise measurement standards, because it
is a means.
4. The culture of a particular region can be reflected in religion, art,
dance, literature, customs, morals, music, philosophy, etc. On
the other hand, the civilization is exhibited in the law,
administration, infrastructure, architecture, social arrangement,
etc. of that area.
5. Culture denote the greatest level of inner refinement, and so it
is internal. Unlike, civilization which is external, i.e. it is the
expression of state of the art technology, product, devices,
infrastructure and so forth.
6. Change in culture is observed with time, as in the old thoughts
and traditions lost with the passage of time and new ones are
added to it which are then transmitted from one generation to
another. On the flip side, civilization is continuously advancing,
i.e. the various elements of civilization like means of
transportation, communication, etc. are developing day by day.
7. Culture can evolve and flourish, even if the civilization does not
exist. In contrast, civilization cannot grow and exist without
culture.

Conclusion

Therefore, one should not confuse culture for civilization. However,

both are created by human beings and expresses, the way we led our
lives. These two gives us the ideas, ideals, values and ways to live a
decent and lavish life.
 Indus & Vedic Civilizati
on
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INDUS & VEDIC CIVILIZATIONS
The history of ancient India is a glorious one; unfortunately we have ver
y little
information on this rich culture. The history divided between civilization
s mark
their differences as well as the progress /digress of ancient society. As s
aid in Vedic Age;
‘Inspite of its seeming diversity there was a large measure of
cultural unity and the goal of political union was never lost sight of. This
unity indiversity is the keynote of the tangled history of India and form
s the backgroundagainst which the seemingly complex developments in
various aspects of Indian
civilization must be viewed’.
Civilization can be studied based on the salient features of its periodicit
y, societalarrangement, its cultural representation, political aspirations,
religious beliefs andits rise or decline. On these broad classifications, w
e can study two majorcivilizations of India
–
Indus and Vedic. These two civilizations have not only played a major r
ole in the development of ancient India, but have also left a lineagethat
still continues to shape our present Indian culture.
PERIODICTY:
Till 20th century, historians thought that the Vedic society was the earli
estcivilization of India. However study done by 2 archaeologists
–
Dayaram Sahaniand Raakhaldas Banerjee proved that Mohenjo-
Daro and Harappa, though 1400
kms apart, were a part of one civilization older than Vedic. Since the reg
ionspanned India across the coastal western belt and along the Indus Ri
ver, thecivilization was called
Indus Civilization.
Indus civilization was at its peakaround 2500 B.C.E.
After the decline of Indus Civilization, a new civilization grew which
wasdominated by the Aryans and came to be known as the
Vedic Civilization.
The period extended from 1500 B.C.E to 500 B.C.E.
REGIONAL SPREAD:
The Indus civilization was spread across the Indus valley (river
Sindhu). It spread in the North from Harappa in Punjab province
(Pakistan) to Bhogtrar in SouthGujarat (1400 kms). In the east,
there was Alamgir (Meerut) and to its West wasSutkagen Dor in
Baluchistan, next to Iran (1600 kms). Thus, the Indus valleyspread
across 12.15 lac sq.km.The Vedic period marked the entry of
Aryans on Indian soil. There has been ahuge debate on the origin
of Aryans. Various scholars have postulated theorieswhich are
either supported or debated.

North Pole: Bal Gangadhar Tilak proposed that the Aryans came
from North Pole. However there is no concrete evidence for this
theory

Asia:
Scholars like Max Muller suggested Middle Asia could be the place ofAryans, whereas Rhodes t
hought it should be Bactria and Edward Meyer postulated the plateau of Pamir (Iran).
Europe:

Penka and Hirt thought Germany as the base of Aryans.

South Russia:
Based on archaeological, historical and linguistic study,Meyer, Peek and Gordon Childes postula
ted that South Russia should be thehome of Aryans. Archaeological excavations in Russia uneart
hed horseskeletons, potteries, earthen wares which were strikingly similar to Aryans.

URBAN DEVLOPMENT:
The cities of Indus civilization were well planned and built with baked bricks of
equal sizes. The streets were at right angle to each other with an elaborate drainage system.
The localities were divided for higher and lower strata of society. There were public buildings,
vast granaries and the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro. Production of several metals like copper,
bronze, lead and tin was carried out. The discovery of kilns proves that bricks were extensively
used for domestic and public buildings. SOCIETY: The social life of Indus Civilization was that
of a happy, satisfied society. The society by large was “female dominated” and family was a
central force. Though the society was divided into 4 groups as per the occupation, it doesnot
prove that there could be any discrimination since the housing structure proves that
irrespective of the occupation, people lived in each other’s vicinity. Compared to the Indus
civilization, the early Vedic period civilization was “male dominated”. Though the women were
known as “better half”, they were not allowed in politics and did not get share in family
property. The caste system of 4 varnas became prominent to such an extent that even the
burial grounds were segregated. The Brahmins and Kshatriyas fought for superior position,
Vaishas did business and paid taxes whereas Shudras were considered to be slaves of all the 3
varnas. The woman’s position was much degraded compared to the early Vedic period. In fact
the Aitreya Brahmana
states that having a
girl is a “worry” and in Atharveda the girl is considered‘unlucky’. In Maitreya Upanishad, the wo
man’s position is equaled to wine and dice.

The people of Indus Civilization were vegetarian as well as non-

vegetarian.Diet usually consisted of wheat, jowar, rice, sesame seed, dal, vegetables,milk and fr
uits. Meat of sheep, goat, pig, hen, duck as well as fish wasconsumed.
The people of Vedic civilization also followed vegetarian as well as non-
vegetarian diet. Milk and milk products were an important part of diet alongwith vegetables an
d meat. People drank“som ras”and played dice. Horserace, chariot race, music, dance were the
favorite pastime.
Excavations reveal that women of Indus valley liked to wear ornamentsmade of gold, precious
stones, silver and copper. Men kept long hair,sported moustache and beard whereas women ti
ed their hair in a bun. Theyalso wore bangles made of glass and metal ware.
In the Vedic civilization, metals like gold, silver, copper, tin, glass were inuse. Iron utensils and
equipments were also made during this period.
OCCUPATION:
 The main occupation of Indus Civilization was agriculture. Wheat, jowar,sesame seed, bajra we
re grown. Animal farming was also carried out. They also grew cotton and wore clothes.
Trade was also another occupation and each merchant family had their own seal.
Trading was usually done with neighboring regions of India, Persian Gulf and Iran.
The Vedic period people were rural oriented and had agriculture as main occupation.
They ploughed sowed and reaped various crops like wheat, jowar, rice, moong dal, udad,
sesame. They also reared animals like cows, bulls, horses, goats, donkeys, sheep, pigs
and dogs. It is during this period that
‘elephant’ was first domesticated.
ART, ARCHITECTURE & CULTURE:

Indus Civilization had mastered the art of using metals, mud, wood, glass for making
ornaments, architecture and various forms. They made terracotta vessels with
decorative colors and design. They made toys, household utensils, agriculture
equipment and ornamental things. The people of Indus Civilization were good sculptors
carving wood and stone in the form of
“relief architecture”, statues and articles.
Statues of various birds and animals
Were also found along with men, women and “mother goddess”.

In the Vedic civilization, metals like gold, copper, silver, tin were used to prepare
various artifacts. This period contributed to the Vedic literature namely Samhitas
(Samved, Yajurved, Atharvaved, Rigved), Brahmanas,Aranyaks and Upanishads.
After the composition of Upanishads (around 600 BC), there was a direct
Conflict with the practice of yagnas, anushthan, single god ‘Bramha’ and
Blind faith which initiated people towards philosophy. UpaniShad’s spoke of
Only 3 ashrams Bramhachariya, grihsthashram & vanprasthashram. Later
On, ‘sanyas’ was added as a fourth ashram.

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY:
 The Indus Civilization people worshipped gods and goddesses. The figures found in
excavation reveal some rituals and ceremonies. Various terracotta
Statues of “Mother Goddess” have been discovered from
Various sites which prove that she was worshipped in nearly every home. Many seal
depicting rhinoceros, bull, leopard, elephant, ox were found suggesting that the Indus
valley people revered them.

The religious dogmas increased during the Vedic period and old gods
(multiple ‘nature gods’ like wind, water, fire, etc.) were replaced with new
Formed gods. Prajapati, Vishnu & Rudra Shiva became the new gods. It was
During this period that ‘animal sacrifice’ became rampant. Some large scale
Yagnas like Rajsuyagna, Vajpeya and Ashwamedh were performed. The belief in soul,
magic, tantra increased and people succumbed to blind faith.The only difference was
that the Vedic gods were immortal whereas the human beings were not
One major reason cited by scholars for the decline of Indus Civilization is the constant
flooding of Indus and other rivers. The excavations carried out in various sites confirm
that the Indus cities have been renovated many times. To avoid flooding, people would
have shifted to higher areas. Apart from the theory of constant flooding, various
scholars have postulated theories for the decline of Indus Civilization.

MAJOR DIFFERENCES OF INDUS & VEDIC CIVILIZATIONS:

Some of the major differences that can be pointed out between these two civilizations
are: Indus civilization was more ‘urban’ and was ‘ business oriented ’ , whereas
Vedic civilization was ‘ rural ’ and agriculture based. Indus valley people used baked
bricks for construction whereas that of Vedic people was made of bamboo and grass.
Indus valley people made equipments of stone, copper; however they were unaware of
iron. Vedic valley people were aware of iron and made various equipments with it. Indus
valley people worshipped ‘Mother goddess’, Shiva, lingam and figurines. The Vedic
people yagna worshippers and created various gods. They opposed Linga puja And
statue worship.
Indus valley knew about tiger and elephants; whereas Vedic people were fond of
horses. They did not know about tiger or elephants.
Indus people respected Oxen’ Whereas Vedic people worshipped the Cow
’Indus valley people had designed their own script, whereas Vedic people did not have
any script and practiced oral tradition..

III. Introduction to Vedas, Ashram System, Varna System

VEDAS

Introduction

• ThewordVeda is derived from the root wordVid (to know)

Refers to a vastbody of spiritualknowledge.

•
Antameans end, Veda +anta= Vedanta,the knowledgethatisinfinite,endof fina l
knowledgeor infiniteor whatisfoundat theend of theVedas i.e. Upanishads

• ThefirstVeda (Rig) came about 10,000 BCE – a general

consensusof Hindusatlarge

• Vedas are revealedknowledgeto theseers.

Vedas are handed by gurus to their sishyas by oral tradition. •
A strict order of chanting was maintained to preserve the
original meanings • Since Vedas were heard by Rishis they
are termed srutis.

Organization ‐ Vedas

Four Vedas listed in chronological order 1. Rig Veda 2. Yajur Veda 3. Sama Veda
4. Atharva Veda.
The Rig Samhita = 10,552 verses • Yajur Veda = 1,975 verses • Sam Veda = 1,875
verses • Atharva Veda = 5,977 verses • Total number of verses in Vedas = 20,416 .

Every mantra in Vedascan beclassifiedinto rik, yajus, saman, and atharvana. •

A rik mantra has a metrical structure determinedbythe numberof syllables in it. •
There are sevenwell known familiesof meters: Gayathri, Ushanik, Anushtup, Brhati,
Pangti, Trishtup, and J
agati. • Rik is the mantra of divine conscientiousness,it bringsits light of revelation. •
Yajus is the mantra of divine power, it brings its will of effectuation. •
Saman is the mantra of divine ananda, it brings its equal fulfilment of the spiritual
delight of existence. • Atharvana are incantations and spellsforhealth, healing, and
psychicpowers.
Each Veda has its own four parts:

1. Samhitas: hymns, the mantras

2. Brahmanas : contains rituals in prose
3. Aranyakas: teach about meditation based on symbolical interpretations of
rituals 4. Upanishads: philosophical treatises dealing with ultimate problems of
life

Organization ‐Rig Veda

• In the beginning Rig Veda consisted a single collection of mantras with a non‐
linear structure with every mantra connected to many others.

• Ancient Hindus divided Rig Veda two different ways: 1. TheAshtaka Method
2. TheMandala Method

The Ashtaka
method was designed to facilitate easy memorization by apportioning more less equal
nu mber mantras to eachsection.

• The Mandala method was designed group mantras based on the subject
matter.

Rigveda:

The oldest veda is the rigveda. It has 1028 hymns called ‘Suktas’ and is a
collection of 10 books called ‘Mandalas.’ The features of Rigveda are given in the
table below:
Features of Rigved a It is the oldest form of Veda and oldest known Vedic Sanskrit
text The meaning of the word ‘Rigveda’ is Praise Knowledg ( 1800 e1100 BCE ) It
has 10600 verse s Though there are 10 books or mandalas but book number 1 and
10 are the youngest ones as they written later than books 2 to 9 Rigvedic books 29
deal with cosmology and deitie s

Rigvedic books 1 and 10 deal with philosophical questions and also talk about
including charity in the societ y Rigvedic books 27 are the oldest and shortest
also called family book various virtues Rigvedic books 1 & 10 are the youngest
and longes s t 1028 hymns deal with deities including Agni, Indra and a re
attributed and dedicat rish i The ninth rigvedic book/mandala is solely dedicated
to Som a ed to a sage The meters used to form hymns are Gayatri, Anushtubh,
Trishtubh and Jagati (Trishtubh and Gayatri are most important )

Samaveda:

Known as the veda of melodies and chants, Samaveda dates back to 1200-800
BCE. This veda is related to public worship. The key features of Samaveda is
given in the table below: Features of Samaved a There are 1549 verses (except
75 verses, all have been taken from Rigveda There are two upanishads
embedded in Samaveda )Chandogya Upanishad and Kena Upanishad a The
Samaveda is considered as the root of the Indian classical music and danc It is
considered as the storehouse of the melodious chants e Though it has lesser
verses than Rigveda, however its texts are large There are three recensions of
the text of the Samaveda rKauthuma, Raṇayaniya and Jaimaniy a Samaveda is
categorised into two parts PartI includes melodies called Gana & Part includes
three verses book called Archika. Samaveda samhita is not meant II to be read as
a text, it is like a musical score sheet that must be hear d
Yajurveda:

Stands to mean ‘Worship Knowledge’, Yajurveda dates back to 1100-800 BCE;

corresponding with Samaveda. It compiles ritual-offering mantras/chants. These
chants were offered by the priest alongside a person who used to perform a
ritual (in most cases yajna fire.) The key features of Yajurveda are given below:
Features of Yajurved a It has two types Krishna (Black/Dark) & Shukla
(White/Bright ) Krishna Yajurveda has unarranged, unclear, motley collection of
verses Shukla Yajurveda has arranged and clear verse s Krishna Yajurveda has
two recensions, while Shukla Yajurveda has fou The oldest layer of Yajurveda
has 1875 verses mostly taken up from Rigveda

The middle layer of the veda has Satapatha Brahmana which is a commentary of
Shukla Yajurved The youngest l ayer of Yajurveda consists various upanishads
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the Isha Upanishad, the Taittiriya Upanishad, the
Katha
Upanishad, the Shvetashvatara Upanishad and the Maitri Upanisha d Vajasaneyi
Samhita is the samhita in the Shukla Yajurved a There are four surviving
recensions of the Krishna Yajurveda saṃhita, Kaṭha saṃhita and Kapisthala
saṃhit a
Atharvaveda

: Stands to mean a tatpurusha compound of Atharvan, an ancient sage and

knowledge (atharvan+knowledge), it dates back to 1000-800 BCE.:

Features of Atharvaved a

The daily procedures of life are very well enumerated in this ved a It has 730
hymns/suktas, 600 mantras and 20 book s Paippalada and the Saunakiya are two
recensions of Atharvaved Called a veda of magical formulas, it a i ncludes three
primary Upanishads Upanishad, the Mandukya Upanishad and the Prashna
Upanisha The 20 books are arranged by the length of hymns they contai n
dMundaka Unlike Samaveda where hymns are borrowed from Rigveda, hymns of
Atharvaveda are unique except a fe w This veda contains hymns many of which
were charms and magic spells which are meant to be pr onounced by the person
who seeks some benefit, or more often by a sorcerer who would say it on his or
her behal f

ASHRAMA SYSTEM IN PURANAS

In ancient Indian society as per various puranic instructions was divided into four
stages of life. Ashram system (Hermitage system) also was well prevailing in
those days. Asramites (Inmates of an Āśrama) have to pass through four stages.
The four stages of Brahmacarya (Celibacy), Gārhasthya (House holders’ life),
Vānaprastha (Stage of spending time in forests by aged couples) and Sannyāsa
(Monkhood) are known as the four Āśramas. It is really a wonderful Life
Management Principle of Indian way of living. In the 9th chapter of the third Amsa
of Viṣṇu Purāṇa, a detailed description of each of the Ashrams is available.

BRAHMACHARYA (Celibacy) For a better livelihood everybody has to get

education. The right age of learning should commence at the age of 8 including
the months of a boy being in his mother’s womb (Garbhashtama) soon after his
Upanayana ceremony. Normally every boy has to spend 12 to 16 years time in
the hermitage of his Guru along with his cobrahmacharins. During this stage a
Brahmacharin is educated in 18 areas of learning majorly. Four Vedas –
Rgveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda, Six Angas – Phonetics,
Grammar, Etymology,
Astronomy, The science of laying bricks and structuring the Sacrificial Altars etc.
and Prosody, 18 puranas in the name of Purana, Mimamsa, Nyaya (Indian
logic), Dharmasastra, Ayurveda (Indian medicine), Dhanurveda (Archery),
Gandharva (The science of fine arts) and State craft (Artha Sastra).
 GRIHASTHA ASHRAMA

This is the second stage of a human being’s social life commencing with marriage.
Soon after returning from the house of his teacher a boy can get married. The boy
is allowed to marry a girl of his own caste but not of his Gotra. Thus svagotra
vivaha is prohibited. This life of householder is much praised in the puranas.
Grihastha Ashrama is praised as the Base Ashrama or the source of all other
ashramas. A house holder should hold the responsibility of a comfortable social
living. A house holder should protect holy Agnihotra in the Yajnasala of his house
performing all the prescribed daily rituals. He has to worship some prime God like
Vishnu or Siva or Sakti or Ganesha or Kumara or Surya. He should give noble
hospitality to the guests who visit from distant places even if they are not his
relatives. Every house holder should respect women both of his own family and
those who are in the society. Puranas trust one basic principle that if women are
insulted that society will ruin.
VANAPRASTHA

According to Puranas, when householders grow enough old should take a vow
to go to the forests to lead ascetics life. This is the third stage of puranic social
life. The following are said to be the duties of an aged to couple to lead their
Vanaprastha life. The word VANAPRASTHA means “Going to Forest”.
Vanaprastha is the third stage of Indian living. The age old couple having given up
their interest in householderhood and having handed over the responsibilities to
their grown up children enter the forest. They should not cultivate the land for their
food. They should not even eat the non-seasonal natural food. They should not cook
for themselves. Which ever is dried up under the sun can be eaten by them. They
should always eat fresh food and should leave the stored food for more than half a
day. A Vanaprasthin should bear with any kind of natural extremity. He should not
remove his hair, bodily hair, nails and beard. He should hold, a stick, Kamandulu and
should put on the skin of black deer.
SANYASA
Vanaprastha is the third stage of Indian living. The age old couple having given
up their interest in householderhood and having handed over the responsibilities
to their grown up children enter the forest. They should not cultivate the land for
their food. They should not even eat the non-seasonal natural food. They should
not cook for themselves. Which ever is dried up under the sun can be eaten by
them. They should always eat fresh food and should leave the stored food for
more than half a day. A Vanaprasthin should bear with any kind of natural
extremity. He should not remove his hair, bodily hair, nails and beard. He should
hold, a stick, Kamandulu and should put on the skin of black deer. From the third
stage of social life i.e. Vanaprastha the aged person embraces very naturally the
fourth stage of monkhood. According the puranas : a celibate can directly become
a monk. A childless householder can become a Sanyasin. A widower also can
become a monk. One who crosses a good amount of householder’s life also can
embrace Sanyasa. Once a person becomes a monk he doesn’t belong to his own
family in which he was born. He should not possess any personal assets. Just a
piece of cloth (Kaupina) to cover himself only is allowed. He belongs to the entire
Universe. He should not continue to have any personal earnings. He has to follow
all the noble principles essential to attain moksha. The following are his duties.

This is the fourth and the last stage of life. A monk should be a wanderer. He
should not maintain anything except his body. He should not stay for more than a
day in any village and should move on the earth from one place to the other. He
should put on a garment with aKaupina (a piece of cloth inside). He should
always go alone satisfying his Atmarama. He should be friendly with all animals
and beings. He should always fix his mind in worshipping Narayana. He should
realize that he is the Brahman.

Varna system was a system of classification present in the ancient times. It was
prevalent in a rampant manner in the Hindu religion. When this varna system
was first put into place, it was essentially a classification of people on the basis
of their occupation. It started as a segregation of the people on the basis of their
occupation.

But it became a system where people were segregated on the basis of their
caste, color and creed. It started as a method of segregation but did not
rank any classes higher or lower. But as time progressed the Varna system
extended its claws to segregation of people and ranking them on the basis
of their caste.

The system trickled down generations. It became hereditary after some time and
the change of profession was not an option for the people. The Varna system
gave way to several sub-castes. This gave away to the major caste system we
have in India. Although division on the basis of castes is still banned yet some of
its forms are still prevalent in India.

Structure of Varna system

Varna system divided the Hindu society in four Varnas. They were as follows:
Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and shudras.
 Brahmanas

The highest placed varna of all these groups were Brahmans. Brahmans were
the custodian of mythical secrets, rites and chants. They were intellectual people.
They bore the responsibility to spread knowledge among all. They interpret the
Vedas. They also made sure that these teachings reached everybody in their
pure form.

They performed rites and sacrifices for the kshatriyas and the upper vaishyan
society. They generally prayed for wealth, additional children, cattle and well being
of the family also. The Brahmans were the patrons of the Vedas. They did all their
chores as prescribed by the Vedas and followed the Vedas strictly

kshatriyas

After Brahmans kshatriyas occupied the next place in social hierarchy. Kshatriyas
were the warriors or the fighters. They were given a special place in the social
hierarchy. This is because it was believed that they do a noble task by serving in
the armed forces of their nation. They were true patriots.

They were ready to give their life for their land anytime their land requires
sacrifice. Kshatriya clan were known to be very brave at heart. They were strong
and were respected in the society for their profession. People reposed their faith
in them for the purpose of their safety.

This is why kshatriya were quite popular among the masses. It is quite intriguing
to note that history has seen many kshatriyas who accepted all people including
the shudras as their own.

This is because they felt that shudras were their countrymen only. Although there
was no love lost between these Varnas yet some kshatriyas are known to have
accepted the shudras.
VAISHYAS
The third position in the social hierarchy was occupied by the vaishayas.
Vaishayas were the business or traders, as we call them. They were the heart and
soul of cities and kept alive the economy of that place.
 They made things available to all people and that is why their importance in
society cannot be noted out. Most of the vaishayas were wealthy
businessman and respected among all. Because money is power and
money can have everything you will ever need.

This is why the vaishayas were favored by the kings and princess. Because it was
very well known that if the vaishayas stopped with their activities, the city would
come to a halt. There will be no revenue without their cooperation
Shudras were the last among the four Varnas. They were cast ‘untouchable’ in
the society. This is because they were considered impure and adulterated.
They performed the menial functions of society which nobody willing to
perform.

Their role was to keep the city clean, clean the houses of wealthy, polish their
shoes; cleaning the toilets and sewage system etc. they lived in very unhygienic
conditions and lives a life full of torture. They built the houses of the rich yet they
had no roof on their heads.

They were termed as social outcasts. At times, they were not allowed to draw
water from the village wells. Life for them was just brutal. The ‘so-called’ upper
classes looked down to the shudras as if they were some kind of rats and fleece,
waiting to get rid of.

They were excluded from the opportunities of a normal social life just because of
the Varna they belonged to. Shudras may perform menial jobs according to the
upper castes. But for me, I will put it as that they just cleaned the mess of the
other three Verna who could not take the duty of cleaning upon themselves.

This is just a display of the incapacity of the other three Varnas who could not
perform their jobs themselves and asked shudras to do it for them. Moreover,
stomping their self esteem is much uncalled for even when they should actually
be the ones doing it.

This Varna system had taken a very bad shape in the later periods. It divided the
society along racial lines. It devoid many people of opportunities around them. It created
a feeling of superiority and inferiority among people .