Question

By the end of the Epic Age, many evil practices had crept into society in the name of religion. Explain.

Answer 1

In the later Vedic period, religion became complex and difficult. Many evil customs crept into society in the name of religion. Costly sacrifices, superstitions, and elaborate and meaningless rituals destroyed the simplicity and appeal of the original religion. The Vedic texts were written in Sanskrit, which the common people could not understand. The Brahmanas explained the texts in a manner that increased their own power, wealth, and status. The rites and rituals introduced by them led to the exploitation of the common people. Religion became expensive and oppressive. The caste system became rigid. The lower casts, especially the Shudras, were increasingly isolated and persecuted. They were denied the right to study the religious scriptures and were not even allowed to recite Sanskrit hymns.