Brahmanism

The historical Vedic religion, also called Vedism or Brahmanism, and sometimes ancient Hinduism or Vedic Hinduism, constituted the religious ideas and practices prevalent amongst some of the Indo-Aryan peoples of the northwest Indian subcontinent (Punjab and the western Ganges plain) during the Vedic period (c. 1500–500 BCE). These ideas and practices are found in the Vedic texts, and some Vedic rituals are still practised today. The Vedic religion is one of the major traditions which shaped modern Hinduism, though present-day Hinduism is significantly different from the historical Vedic religion.

The Vedic religion has roots in the Indo-Iranian culture and religion of the Sintashta (c. 2200–1750 BCE) and Andronovo (c. 2000–1150 BCE) cultures of Eurasian Steppe. This Indo-Iranian religion borrowed “distinctive religious beliefs and practices” from the non-Indo-Aryan Bactria–Margiana culture (BMAC; 2250–1700 BCE) of south of Central Asia, when pastoral Indo-Aryan tribes stayed there as a separate people in the early 2nd millennium BCE. From the BMAC Indo-Aryan tribes migrated to the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, and the Vedic religion developed there during the early Vedic period (c. 1500–1100 BCE) as a variant of Indo-Aryan religion, influenced by the remnants of the late Indus Valley Civilisation (2600–1900 BCE).

During the late Vedic period (c. 1100–500 BCE) Brahmanism developed out of the Vedic religion, as an ideology of the Kuru-Panchala realm which expanded into a wider area after the demise of the Kuru-Pancala realm and the domination of the non-Vedic Magadha cultural sphere. Brahmanism was one of the major influences that shaped contemporary Hinduism, when it was synthesized with the non-Vedic Indo-Aryan religious heritage of the eastern Ganges plain (which also gave rise to Buddhism and Jainism), and with local religious traditions.

Specific rituals and sacrifices of the Vedic religion include, among others: the Soma rituals; fire rituals involving oblations (havir); and the Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice). The rites of grave burials as well as cremation are seen since the Rigvedic period. Deities emphasized in the Vedic religion include Dyaus, Indra, Agni, Rudra and Varuna, and important ethical concepts include satya and ṛta.

wikipedia/en/Historical%20Vedic%20religion

Vedic Hinduism, or [Vedism], refers to the historical religious practices of the Indo-Aryans in ancient India, while Hinduism is a broader, more diverse religion that evolved from Vedic Hinduism and incorporates various local traditions and beliefs. Essentially, Vedic Hinduism is considered a predecessor to modern Hinduism. 

Vedic Hinduism (Vedism):

• Historical Period: The [Vedic period](roughly 1500-500 BCE). 
• Core Texts: The [Vedas], a collection of hymns, rituals, and philosophical treatises. 
• Key Practices: Emphasis on fire sacrifices ([yagnas]), rituals, and worship of deities like Indra, Agni, and Varuna. 
• Deities: Primarily polytheistic, with a focus on nature gods. 
• Afterlife: Belief in an afterlife, but not necessarily reincarnation. 
• Social Structure: The Vedic social structure was less rigid than the later caste system. 

Modern Hinduism:

• Evolution: Evolved from Vedic Hinduism, incorporating local traditions, beliefs, and practices from various regions of the Indian subcontinent. 
• Core Texts: While the Vedas are revered, Hinduism also incorporates Puranas, Upanishads, and [epics] like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. 
• Key Practices: Idol worship, temple rituals, yoga, meditation, and devotional practices (Bhakti). 
• Deities: A vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, including the Trimurti(Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) and many others. 
• Afterlife: Belief in reincarnation samsaraand karma. 
• Social Structure: The Caste system, though evolving, is a significant aspect of Hindu social structure. 

Key Differences:

• Deities: While some Vedic deities are still revered, modern Hinduism has a much broader pantheon, including deities not prominent in the Vedic period. 
• Practices: Modern Hinduism incorporates a wider range of practices, including idol worship, devotional practices, and philosophical interpretations not explicitly present in the Vedas. 
• Social Structure: The rigid caste system is a later development not as prominent in the Vedic period. 
• Afterlife: The concept of reincarnation is central to modern Hinduism, whereas the Vedic period focused more on an afterlife. 

In essence, modern Hinduism is a complex and diverse religion that has evolved over centuries, drawing heavily from the Vedic tradition but also incorporating other influences, while Vedic Hinduism represents the earlier, more focused religious practices of the Indo-Aryans.

The Vedic social structure and the later Hindu social structure, while related, exhibit key differences. The Vedic structure, primarily described in the Rigveda, was less rigid and more focused on occupational roles (Varnas) than on birth-based castes. The Hindu social structure, particularly as it evolved over time, solidified into a more rigid caste system, heavily influenced by birth and with limited social mobility.

Vedic Social Structure:

• Varna System: The Vedic period had a system of four Varnas: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers and servants).
• Occupational Basis: These Varnas were initially associated with occupations and not strictly hereditary.
• Social Mobility: There was some degree of social mobility, with individuals potentially changing Varnas based on their profession.
• Women’s Role: According to some scholars, women generally had a respectable position and could even participate in religious rituals.

Hindu Social Structure (later developments):

• Caste system: Over time, the Varna System evolved into a more rigid caste system, where individuals were largely confined to the caste into which they were born.
• Hereditary Castes: Birth became the primary determinant of a person’s caste, with limited opportunities for social mobility.
• Jati System: Within each Varna, numerous sub-castes (Jati) emerged, further complicating the social structure.
• Untouchables: A group known as Dalits or Untouchables, traditionally excluded from the Varna system, faced severe social discrimination.
• Gender Roles: Some scholars note that women’s roles became more restricted and subordinate to men in the patriarchal framework.
• Influence of Other Traditions: Hinduism incorporated various non-Vedic traditions, which also influenced the social structure.

Key Differences Summarized: