The changing character and function of ancient Indian religious system between the 5th and 12th centuries A.D. in North and Central India have been attempted to be understood and analyzed through the Dharmashastric institution of Vratas (religious vows), the most vibrant form of religion among the Hindus today, with thw help of Vedic, Dharmashastric, Puranic and Poetic textsand inscriptions belonging to the period c.A.D. 400-1200.