The structure of the political and social organization of the Rig Vedic period was patriarchal. Family was the ultimate base of the society. Number of families came together and formed Gram. A collection of such Gramas was called as Visa. The prevailing form of government was Monarchical and hereditary, though sometimes, the king was elected as well.

In Rig Vedic state or 'Rashtra', the foremost duty of the king or 'Rajan'was to protect the tribe and the tribal territory. We find references of councils like 'Sabha' and 'Samiti'. The Rig Vedic administration might be having some ministers or 'mantris'.

The social life of the Rig Vedic people was very simple. The society was divided into four castes that were not based on birth but on work. The society consisted of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Sudras. This system of the division of the society was called 'Varnashram'. Rig Vedic women enjoyed the right of equality in all aspects of life including education. We find references of some well-educated women like Apala, Vishvavara and Ghosa.

The Rig Vedic life was clearly divided into four stages and 'Chaturashram'. The first state

On Top of the Page

was that of Brahmacharya. This period was strictly devoted to education and training. The second stage was that of Grihasthashram, in which the person was expected to take responsibility of the family. In Vanaprasthashram, the third stage, all belongings of the person were to be detached. The fourth and the last stage was called Sanyasashram. During this stage the person was supposed to retire from all worldly things.

The formation of Rashtras or Rajyas in Later Vedic Age-

After about a gap of around 1500 years, the life of the Vedic Aryans changed in all aspects. This transformed life is called as the 'Later Vedic Period'.With the lapse of time the Aryans began to detach from their strong hold of 'Afghanistan and Punjab? to 'Madhyadesha and the whole region between the Himalayas and the Vindhyas'.

As a result of which, 'North West India' lost its importance and the 'Ganga-Yamuna Valley' became more popular. Some kingdoms like The Kurus, The Panchalas etc grew into prominent states with a wider dimension and more power.With the increasing size of their states, the kings now began to enjoy titles like Adhiraja, Rajadhiraja, Samrat and so on.