Society in the Atharvaveda: no. 15 (Reconstructing Indian History and Culture, no. 15)

Book Detail

• Author: B.S. Kharada
• Brand: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 176
• Release Date: 01-08-1998
• EAN: 9788124600931
• Package Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Languages: English

Description: The Atharvaveda, often considered the "Veda of the masses," stands apart from the other Vedas—Rig, Sama, and Yajur Vedas—in its focus on the daily life of the common people of ancient India. While much of modern scholarship has concentrated on the three principal Vedas, this book addresses the gap in research and analysis on the Atharvaveda, offering a fresh perspective on this often-overlooked text.

This volume explores the life of the ancient Indian villagers—farmers, craftsmen, and others—whose lives were shaped by the agricultural society of the time. The Atharvaveda contains verses that touch on diverse aspects of everyday life, such as farming, cattle breeding, crafts, religion, social norms, and even issues like crime, adultery, and gambling. It also delves into topics like trade, travel routes, loan systems, taxation, political administration, and the role of women.

Kharada’s study reveals how the Atharvaveda captures the essence of the common man's life and thought, from daily rituals to societal challenges. The book highlights the connection between the Atharvaveda and the folk songs of rural India, many of which trace their roots back to its verses. This scholarly work challenges the notion that the Atharvaveda is subordinate to the vedatrayi, asserting its unique significance in Vedic literature and its unparalleled focus on the people at large.

Author Details: B.S. Kharada is a renowned scholar of Vedic literature, with a particular focus on the Atharvaveda. His work seeks to uncover the hidden narratives of the common people as represented in the Atharvaveda, exploring its relevance to the agricultural and social life of ancient Indian communities. Kharada’s research offers valuable insights into the Atharvaveda, establishing it as a key text in understanding ancient Indian society and culture.