1 Chapter – 1 Ancient Civilizations Introduction - The study of ancient history is very interesting. Through it we know how the origin and evolution of human civilization, which the cultures prevailed in different times, how different empires rose uplifted and declined how the social and economic system developed and what were their characteristics what was the nature and effect of religion, what literary, scientific and artistic achievements occrued and thease elements influenced human civilization. Since the initial presence of the human community, many civilizations have developed and declined in the world till date. The history of these civilizations is a history of humanity in a way, so the study of these ancient developed civilizations for an advanced social life. Objective - After teaching this lesson you will be able to: Get information about the ancient civilizations of the world. Know the causes of development along the bank of rivers of ancient civilizations. Describe the features of social and political life in ancient civilizations. Mention the achievements of the religious and cultural life of ancient civilizations. Know the reasons for the decline of various civilizations. Meaning of civilization The resources and art skills from which man fulfills all the necessities of his life, are called civilization. I.e. the various activities of the human being that provide opportunities for sustenance and safe living. The word 'civilization' literally means the rules of those discipline or discipline of those human behaviors which lead to collective life in human society. So civilization may be called a social discipline by which man fulfills all his human needs. Causes of development of ancient civilizations along the rivers - In different places of the world, man developed his civilization along major rivers and nearby river basins, keeping in mind all the needs of life. There are many reasons for the development of human civilization in the form of their habitat on the banks of the river like - (a) Availability of water and food (b) safety concerns (c) animal husbandry (d) suitable climate (e) accessible access to metals (f) means of transport. Due to the above reasons, various ancient civilizations of the world have developed along river banks only. The Indus-Saraswati civilization along the Indus-Saraswati rivers, the civilization of Egypt in the valley of Nile, Persian civilization on the banks of the Dajla-Farrats, the development of Chinese civilization along the Hwang Ho and Siqiang rivers. For centuries, these civilizations developed, flourished along these rivers. 1.1 Vedic civilization The ancient civilization that which developed in the region which is called Sapta Sendhav region is Vedic civilization. The main source of information about this civilization and culture is 2 Vedas. The scholars have called the people who have developed this Vedic civilization as Aryans and these Aryans have been described as the founders and administrators of Vedic civilization. Some scholars have also said that Aryans came from outside Bharat from the North Pole, Central Asia, Tibet or Europe, but with current archaeological and historical evidence it has been proved that Aryans were originally an inhabitant of Bharat. Interpretation of the word Arya - The word 'Arya' literally means 'superior' or “the residents born in best kul”. Actually, the good-natured man who is a true and scientifically-behaved man is 'Arya'. The father of the Vedic civilization was such a cultured persons of Bharat. This was the human community, who developed the advanced living of the present system and culture and developed its advanced lifestyle. Vedic Literature - Arya scholars who have composed the literature is known as 'Vedic literature'. Vedas are four in number Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. Each Veda has a commentry and is associated with each commentaries are Brahman, Aranyak and Upanishad, which are the fundamental sources of Vedic religious rituals, philosophical principles and spiritual knowledge respectively. Based on the Shruti tradition, Vedas are terme Apaurusheya which have been compiled by the wise sages through mantras. Features of Vedic Civilization (A) Political organization – In the beginning the political organization of the Aryans and the administrative system was in infancy. On the basis of blood relations, Kutumb or kul, family were organized. Family was the smallest unit. Gram was formed by group of many families. Some village- groups were called 'vish'. Many groups of vish were called 'janas'. Its head was called Rajan, Gopa or Rakshak. Rajan, though supreme in the state and his vote being universally accepted was not selfish, autocratic and anti-national. There were democratic institutions called 'Sabha' and 'Committee'. Regional states emerged in place of small tribal states due in course of time. Now in place of the democratic political organization, monarchical political organizations began to grow and the status of the king, its power and authority increased. Many district states were established in Bharat. In such districts, Kuru, Panchal, Gandhara, Kaikya, Bhadra, Kashi, Kalinga, aang, Magadha, Lichchavi, Malla, Avanti, Kaushal, Shivi etc. were the main district. The coronation ceremony of the king was done according to rules, which is mentioned in the literature of this era. (B) Social life - The social life of Rigvedic Aryans was simple, natural, based on equality and was holy. (1) Varna system - There is no discrimination found in the Vedic society. The Varna system was popular in society. Varna are considered four in number-Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. Each man was free to choose a business according to his capacity and personal interest. This Varna system was on karma based not birth. Thus the initial form of the caste system was very good. (2) Family - Family was the smallest and most important unit of the Vedic society and the state. The joint family and patriarchy were the main features of this age. The elder man of the family was the head or the 'gharapati'. There was the embodiment of love, kindness and sympathy towards all the relatives. Marriage in this age was a sacred and religious ritual. The presence of both wife and husband in religious rituals was expected. Marriage was performed in nature age. (3) Women status – There was a sense of respect for women. There was definitely a patriarchal society but the girl was given enough affection and authority in the family. The daughters also had the right to initiate education as a son. Many women were famous for their Scholorly merits. Maitrei, Gargi, Lopamudra, Vishwavara, Apala, Ghosha etc. are mentioned as women scholars. 3 (4) Ashram system - After considering the ideal age of man in Vedic period of 100 years, it is divided in four equal parts and mentionsedthe ashram system. They were divided into Brahmacharya, Grihasta Vanprasta and Sanyasa Ashram. The objective of the ashram system was to make man a partner for society and to achieve the four greatest purusharth of human life - Religion, Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. (5) Foods Ornaments and utensils - The main diet of the people of Vedic period was specially, milk and curd, ghee, yogurt etc. In addition, barley, wheat, urad, rice were used. In this period, men and women used to wear beautiful, attractive clothes, and ornaments. Clothing was manufactured from cotton, wool, silk and deersrkin Both men and women liked to wear ornaments. Jewelry was made of gold and silver. (C) Economic life Generally, the Vedic civilization was a rural one. There is also evidence of commerce and trade along with agriculture and animal husbandry. (1) Agriculture and Live Stock - Agriculture was the main source of livelihood of Aryans. Two oxen were harnessed in plowshouses. There was more dependence on rainfall. Wells and canals were also arranged for irrigation. Cow, elephant, horse, buffalo, deer, sheep, goat and ass were reared as pets. The cow was considered as the center of holy and economic prosperity. The cow was said to be protected as “Avadhya”.. (2) Art Craft and Industry - In the Vedic period, the business was primarily practiced by goldsmiths, blacksmiths, sailors, charioteers, rangers, magnets etc. The cow was considered a unit of value. The word 'Hiranya' was used for gold metal, used to make jewelery or gold coins (Nishk) etc. 'Bhishak' (vadya) is described as trying to connect broken bone. (3) Business and Trade - In Vedic period trade was done through water and road routes. The business of grain, textiles, and leather was prosperous. The word 'Panni' was used for the trader, who was rich and prosperous. (D) Religious life - The religion of the people of the Vedic age was simple. They considered natural powers as divine powers and worshiped them. The Vedic people propitiated the deity and wished for happiness, peace and prosperity. They used to delight the gods by prayer, praise and sacrifice. Indra, Sun, Fire, Vaayu, Usha, Varuna, Vishnu, Prithvi and Jupiter were the chief deities. In 'Rig Veda' Yajna is said to be the world's place of union with the gods. Yajna was of two types, Nitya Yajna and Naimittik Yagya. Textual questions Answer the following questions - 1. Write the name of any two wise women of Vedic times. 2. Who was called 'Vish'? 3. What is the meaning of the word 'Arya'? 4. Name four major Vedas? 1.2 Indus Saraswati civilization Indus saraswati valley civilization holds an important place in ancient river valley civilizations of the world. The origin of the Indus River is believed to be from the glacier located north of Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet. The origin of the river Saraswati is believed to be from the hills of Shivalik. Presently the Saraswati River does not exist physically. Due to changes in the geo- 4 structure it became extinct. Due to not being present in existence, some scholars have considered the Saraswati River as mere imagination, but the photographs taken by geo satellite have now been discovered and the flow of the Saraswati river has now been detected and it is still flowing in the form of the Antah Salila.