The Vedic period (c. 1500 BCE – 600 BCE), divided into Early Vedic (Rigvedic) and Later Vedic phases, laid the socio-religious foundations of ancient Indian civilization. The Vedas, the earliest literary compositions of the Indo-Aryans, offer insights into the social structure, religious beliefs, and cultural practices of that time.

Main Features of Vedic Society

1. Patriarchal and Patrilineal Society:

   • Society was male-dominated, descent was traced through the male line.
   • Example: Women had limited access to rituals and education, though exceptions like Gargi and Lopamudra existed.

2. Joint Family System

   • The concept of kula (family) and gotra (lineage) was important.
   • Elders, especially the father or grandfather (kulapati), headed the household.

3. Varna System (Social Stratification)

   • Initially fluid, based on guna (qualities) and karma (actions).
   • Later became rigid hereditary caste (jati) system.

4. Role of Women

   • Early Vedic period: Women enjoyed relatively higher status—participated in yajnas and education.
   • Later Vedic period: Increasing curtailment of rights, decline in status.

5. Rural and Pastoral Economy

   • Cattle rearing was prominent, wealth was measured in terms of cows (dhan).
   • Agriculture gained importance in Later Vedic period.

6. Emergence of Janapadas and Kingship

   • Tribal communities (jana) evolved into territories (janapadas).
   • Kingship became institutionalized with rituals like Rajasuya and Ashvamedha.

Main Features of Vedic Religion

1. Polytheism:

   • Worship of natural forces: Indra (rain), Agni (fire), Varuna (cosmic order), Surya (sun).
   • Deities were anthropomorphic and propitiated through hymns and offerings.

2. Yajnas (Sacrificial Rituals):

   • Central to religious practice, meant to please gods and maintain cosmic order (rita).
   • Priests (Brahmanas) played key role.

3. Absence of Idol Worship: No temples or idols, worship was through fire altars and oral hymns (shruti).

4. Belief in Cosmic Order (Rita):

   • Ethical and moral order governed both nature and human conduct.
   • Later developed into concept of Dharma in Upanishadic and post-Vedic thought.

5. Philosophical Shift in Later Vedic Period:

   • Emergence of Upanishads introduced Brahman (universal soul) and Atman (individual soul).
   • Foundations for Indian philosophical systems like Vedanta.

Are These Features Still Prevailing in Indian Society?

The Vedic society and religion, though thousands of years old, continue to shape the Indian socio-cultural and religious landscape. While some aspects have evolved, like philosophical beliefs and social practices, others like ritualism, patriarchy, caste identity, and ethical concepts of Dharma and Karma still exert significant influence.