question_answer

                                                      Explain the system of Ashramas.               

Answer:

(i) Around the time when Jainism and Buddhism were becoming popular, Brahmins developed the system of Ashramas. The word ?ashrama? means ?a stage of life?.

(ii) Four Ashramas were recognised?brahmacharya, grihastha, vanaprastha and sanyasa.

(iii) Brahmacharya: Brahmin, kshatriya and vaishya men were expected to lead simple lives and study the Vedas during the early years of their lives.

(iv) Grihastha: Then they had to marry and live as householders.

(v) Vanaprastha: Then they had to live in the forest and meditate. Finally, they had to give upeverything and become Sanyasis. The system of Ashramas allowed men to spend some part of their lives in meditation. Generally, women were not allowed to study the Vedas and they had to follow the Ashramas chosen by their husbands.