The students had to learn Vedas, Upanishad, grammar prosody, law, arithmetic and language. This age had excelled in every walks of life. During the later Vedic period women lost much of their position and privileges enjoyed during early Vedic period. Later Vedic Period Later Vedic period. The Ganga river, by the time, occupied the proud place of the most revered and sacred river of India. The period that followed Rig Vedic Age is known as Later Vedic Age. The ideal of Sarbabhauma or universal empire loomed large in the political horizon of ancient India. Improved method of tilling the land by deep ploughing, manuring and sowing with better seeds were known to the Aryans. The upper classes particularly observed the cult of four Ashramas. In spite of deep ploughing and intensive cultivation there was not enough surplus food. They became masters of land and leaders of the Later Vedic society. According to them, each Varna had a different set of functions to perform. Changes of far greater significance were gradually taking place in their society. The age of the Early Vedic period corresponds with the date of the composition of the Rigvedic hymns. Introduction: The life of the people of the Later Vedic Society was not as simple as that of the preceding Rig Vedic Society. Though we hear the names of Gargi and Maitreyi whose scholarship was recognized by the society as whole women lost their earlier status. Now, the King ruled over an area of land called Janapada. Vishnu, the preserver rose into Prominence during this period. The Brahmanas of the later Vedic age were the intellectual and priestly class. Punishments for crimes were severe. However, various sub-castes sprang up in addition to the traditional four castes. The period of 1500 B.C and 600 B.C was divided into Early Vedic Age (Vedic Period) and Later Vedic Age. There are references to the Samiti sometimes electing or re-electing a king. The grandeur of the Rigvedic gods passed into oblivion, though we find in Atharvaveda the omniscience of Varuna or the beneficence of the Earth goddess. appeared in the religious firmament of the Later Vedic Period. With the growth of civilization, the volume of trade and commerce had increased by leaps and bounds. Birth of a daughter became undesirable—for she was regarded as a source of misery. A vaishya is called tribute-paying, meant to be beaten and oppressed at will. The Aryans of Vedic age had reached the highest stage of civilization. The Vedic period (or Vedic age) (ca.1750–500 BCE) was the period in Indian history during which the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, were composed. And this led to the birth of Brahmanical Religion. Those Aryans who still lived a nomadic life and were engaged in pasturing were regarded as fallen or Bratya, because they did not have a settled village life and they did not regularly perform the Yajna. The Atharva Veda refers to both the Eastern and the Western Seas. With the progress of civilization the volume of trade and commerce increased in the Later Vedic Age. Liberally Ashram means halting place. As we have seen that Religion was the Constitution in the pre-modern era or Rigvedic Period. What was the position of women during later Vedic period? Wool was used in addition to cotton. However, during the later Vedic period, Samhitas and Brahmanas mentions that the settlements covered virtually the whole of northern India. After the twelfth century BCE, as the Rigveda had taken its last structure. One should perform all these duties with selflessness. The spread of Aryans over the whole of India completed before 400 B.C. As regards food, rice became the staple food of the Later Vedic Aryans. During this period the rites and ceremonies of Vedic religion were elaborated and became complex. The king sought the aid and support of the Samiti on matters like war, peace and fiscal policies. The unit of value of goods was a gold bar called nishka. The families were patriarchial. They discovered the … Most of the food items used during the Rig Vedic period also continued to be used even during the later-Vedic period. This led to the weakening of tribal system of government and rise of the territorial monarchies. In the Later Vedic Civilization, they lost political and economic rights and were deprived from inheritance to properties. and went on steadily till they reached the southernmost extremity of the Peninsula in or sometime before fourth century B.C. Varieties of crops like rice, barley, wheat, maize and oil seeds were raised. The merchants used this coin as unit of exchange. It explained how Indra, “though occupying a low rank among the gods, was created their king by Prajapati.”. They exchanged the herbs for clothes, nattresses and skins. For 500 years. Wheat was also cultivated. One of them was Rudra who already bore the epithet of Siva. 41. Killing of cow was looked with disfavor. The practice of eating meat declined. This age witnessed the composition of three later Veda Samhitas namely, the Samveda Samhita, the Yajurveda Samhita, the Atharvaveda Samhita as well as Brahmanas and the Upanishads of all the four Vedas and later on the two great epics—the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. In Later Vedic period, the position that the women folk enjoyed in the early Vedic society, was not retained. Polygamy prevailed in the society. Discuss the four Varnas of the later vedic period. Later Vedic period (c. 1100 – c. 500 BCE) After the 12th century BCE, as the Rigveda had taken its final form, the Vedic society, which is associated with the Kuru-Pancala region but were not the only Indo-Aryan people in northern India, transitioned from semi-nomadic life to settled agriculture in north-western India. She was not allowed to attend the political assemblies. So, with the change in the economy, political structure, and society, Religion also changed. The period that followed the Rig Vedic age is known as later Vedic period. Buffalo was domesticated and harnessed to plough in the Age. Professions were not strictly hereditary. The later Vedic ages also believed in the age-old concept of ‘Karma’ or action. Later Vedic Period: (1000 BC – 600 BC) Region extent: » Aryans settlement covered virtually the whole Northern India during the later Vedic period. the Aryans thoroughly subdued the fertile plains watered by Rivers like: Yamuna, Ganges and Sadanira. This system particularly developed during the later Vedic period. Polyandry also appeared in a restricted way. The means of transport and communication developed with the growth of trade and commerce. They were further denied the rite of burning the dead body. The sabha of the Rig Vedic Period died. According to them, each Varna had a different set of functions to perform. This age witnessed the composition of three later Veda Samhitas namely, the Samveda Samhita, the Yajurveda Samhita, the Atharvaveda Samhita as well as Brahmanas and the Upanishads of all the four Vedas and later on the two great epics—the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The period that followed Rig Vedic Age is known as Later Vedic Age. Before sharing your knowledge on this site, please read the following pages: 1. Brahmins and Kshatriyas: The Brahmins and the Kshatriyas (warrior class) now enjoyed the highest privileges in the Later Vedic Society. But in the later Vedic age sacrifice became an important thing in worship. Neither the women nor the sudras had any right to property. 1.8 grams. The Aryans of Vedic age had reached the highest stage of civilization. ii) The later Vedic (1000-600B.C.). The Aryans of the later Vedic period lived in the villages. But in the Indian social system it implied stoppage or stage in the journey of life with a … They were untouchables. The merchants used to form guilds. Regarding means of transport mention may be made of wagons drawn by oxen, chariots for war and sport and rough vehicle known as ‘bipatha’ for transport of goods. The knowledge of writing probably developed in this period. After the Upanayana or sacred thread ceremony and initiation to studies the students were sent to the Gurukula for their education. Agriculture was still the principal occupation of the people. The period that followed Rig Vedic Age is known as Later Vedic Age. By their superior learning some kshatriyas raised themselves to the status of a Brahmana. With the emergence of big kingdoms in the Later Vedic Age the struggle for supremacy among different states was of frequent occurrence. The first stage is known as the Rigvedic period or Early Vedic period and the later stage is known as the Later Vedic period. This led to the weakening of tribal system of government and rise of the territorial monarchies. Later Vedic ages put a premium on morality and righteous conduct. This was the time when agriculture became prevalent. But They were not by any means the only Indo-Aryan individuals in northern India. This website includes study notes, research papers, essays, articles and other allied information submitted by visitors like YOU. Later Vedic period is very different to that of Early Vedic Civilisation or Rig Vedic period. War, conquest, administration of the kingdom was the principal duties of this class. The people became familiar with the navigation of the seas. Later Vedic period (c. 800–c. The Rig-Vedic society was a free society. It is a state of birth-lessness and deathlessness at a point when a soul is liberated from the cycle of births and deaths and mingled into the universal soul.” It was essential for a man to attain moksha. During this period, several tribal groups and kingdoms came into existence. The land of the Yamuna and Ganga in the east which became the new home of the Aryans rose into prominence. The Aitareya Brahmana explained the rational theory of election by common consent of origin of kingship. In the later Vedic period joint family system was prevalent. He was considered impure. In the villages, Gramyavadin (Village judge) and Sabha (court) decided the cases. But nishka was not ordinarily used. Economy: » The main cultivated crops were rice, barley, beans, sesame and wheat. The priests divided people of the ancient India (of Later Vedic Age) into four groups, called Varnas. Dowry system became popular. He occupied the place of Varuna, as the most sublime among the celestials. The Aryans evidently preferred male child to female child. However in spite of the existence of the popular assemblies the powers of the king went on increasing due to the growth of large territorial states and the evolution of an official hierarchy. All the valuable things in man’s life—philosophy, religion, science and code of conduct were all developed in the Vedic age. The reasons for this are many. They had no right to approach the sacred fire, i.e., perform sacrifice, or to read the sacred texts. Agriculture was the principal occupation of the people. The Aitareya Brahmana, a text of the later Vedic period, represents the brahmana as a seeker of livelihood and an acceptor of gifts from the prince but also removable by him. The Political system of the later Vedic period was shifted towards Monarchy. Cow supplied milk and was looked with venerations. Privacy Policy3. In the Rig Vedic age Yanjas were a simple affair which every householder could do. A vast mass of vedic literature as well as a highly developed intellectual life speaks abundantly about a well planned system of education in the later Vedic Period. Two Kshatriya kings Janak and Viswamitra attained the status of Rishi. Sravasti, Mathura, Taxila were trading centers. He realized taxes like “bali”, “sulka” and “bhaga”. He became the master of all subjects. But sometimes they were replaced by big landlords owning entire villages. VEDIC AGE The Vedic texts may be divided into two broad chronological strata: i) The early Vedic or Regvedic period (1500-1000 B.C.). However the richer people among the vaisyas known as Sresthin were highly honored in the royal court. Inland trade was carried on with the Kiratas inhabiting the mountains. The Vedic age or the Vedic period was the time duration between 1500 to 500 BC and is called so because it was during this period that the Vedas were being written. The Later Vedic Period. Migration of Aryans | Aryan Migration Theory, Rig Vedic Society (Early Vedic Civilisation), Later Vedic Society (Later Vedic Civilization). The growth of the royal power was largely reflected in the enlarged outrage of the king. ADVERTISEMENTS: Therefore, it is necessary to analyse the status of Hindu women in the various ages to assess her real position today. The great Indus Valley Civilization (3300 BCE – 1300 BCE) was disappearing, One the other side a magnificent civilization was coming to its own. The Brahmins understood the significance of the transformation. This age witnessed the composition of three later Veda Samhitas namely, the Samveda Samhita, the Yajurveda Samhita, the Atharvaveda Samhita as well as Brahmanas and the Upanishads of all the four Vedas and later on the two great epics—the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Ships and boats were also used as means of transport. So there developed the ideas of Tapas and Brahmacharya (celibacy) leading to the same or even more important results. An ascetic person renounced the worldly life and retired to the solitude and exercised all the ascetic practices with the belief that they would not only obtain heaven, but also develop, “mystic, extra-ordinary and superhuman faculties.” This asceticism was widely practiced in the Epic age. The women lost their earlier freedom and equality which they enjoyed in domestic life. Arya is a Sanskrit word which means a person of noble birth or character, master, lord, preceptor, teacher, owner. The … In the villages small peasant owners of land were replaced by big landlords who secured possession of entire villages. The Kshatriya kings claimed divine sanction behind them. attracted the people. The Vedic culture is related to the Kuru-Pancala locale. The Brahmanas and Kshatriyas emerged as the two leading castes out of the general mass of population, known as vaisyas. The people thought deeply about the problems of creation, life and death and arrived at the conclusion that there is one ‘Brahma’ (one Unchanging Principle) beyond the universe—the creator and controller of the whole order. Answer: The Four Varnas. The purohitas (priests) prepared an elaborate system of ritualistic conduct; but the philosophers analysed the concept of good action. They also claimed to be twice born (Dwija). They are debarred from the privileges which were enjoyed by the Brahmanas and kshatriyas. Due to the emergence of caste system various occupations also appeared. Economy: » The main cultivated crops were rice, barley, beans, sesame and wheat. As such, the questions from this topic have always been featured in the history segment of the UPSC Prelims.. Semi divinities like Apsara, Nagas, Gandharbas, Vidyadharas etc. Actions determine destiny, they argued. The Vedic age itself is divided into the Early Vedic Period (c.1500 – 1200 BCE) and Later Vedic Period (c.1100 – 500 BCE). Vedic hymns were regarded as charms to be used in sacrifice. Later Vedic Period . The concept of untouchability was germinating in the Later Vedic Society. People worshipped their male ancestors. The use of silver was increased and ornaments were made out of it. The great grammarian Katya Yana who flourished in the fourth century B.C had knowledge about the countries of south such as Pandya, Chola and Kerala. Side by side the Taittiniya Brahman explained the divine origin of kingship. People had a firm belief that gods must submit to the sacrifice if properly performed. But the cultivator was not free from trouble. Cotton growing was a profitable occupation. The Aitaraya Brahmana clearly indicates the absolute dependence of vaisyas on the two higher classes. In Vedic society participation of wives was required in many rituals. These rituals impressed the people with the increasing power and prestige of the king. The early Vedic or Regvedic period (1500-1000 B.C.) 1 … The unit value of goods was a gold bar called “nishka” weighing three hundred and twenty ratis, which was also the weight of a satamana. Father was the head of the family and was very powerful. Now the priestly class devoted their energy to find out the hidden and mystic meaning of the rites and ceremonies. The period that followed Rig Vedic Age is known as Later Vedic Age. They lost their right of Upanayana and the right to perform religious rites and the right to join in political affairs. The women lost their high position which they had in the Rig Vedic Age. The early Vedic or … The Upanishads (/ uː ˈ p æ n ɪ ˌ ʃ æ d z, uː ˈ p ɑː n ɪ ˌ ʃ ɑː d z / ; Sanskrit: उपनिषद् Upaniṣad [ˈʊpɐnɪʂɐd]) are late Vedic Sanskrit texts of religious teaching and ideas still revered in Hinduism. It was midway between the laxity of the Rig Vedic Age and the rigidity of the Age of the Sutras. In the later Vedic period Aryans settled in the region of Ganga-Yamuna. Religion was overshadowed with rites and rituals. To attain his “Paramapada” (highest step) became the goal of the rishis. This is the doctrine of transmigration of souls. Women were treated as objects for fulfillment of passion and not as partners of men. The marriage rules became discriminating towards the bride. The belief that gods were satisfied by Yanjas led to a rise in the number, variety of sacrifices which were prescribed for every householder. Dangers of insects and damage of crops through hail-storm very badly affected the land of kurus and compelled many people to migrate. This age also witnessed the beginning of the worship of Durga and Ganesh. They had to live in the house of the teacher (guru) and lead the chaste life of a Brahmacharin whose principal duties were study and service to the teacher. More lands were brought under cultivation. The Ganga river, by the time, occupied the proud place of the most revered and sacred river of India. Sudras: The Sudras were looked with contempt. image source: raobharata.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/img_5152.jpg. 500 bce): The principal literary sources from this period are the Sama-, the Yajur-, and the Atharvaveda (mainly ritual texts), the Brahmanas (manuals on ritual), and the Upanishads (Upanisads) and Aranyakas (collections of philosophical and metaphysical discourses). The period that followed Rig Vedic Age is known as Later Vedic Age. Most important change was the evolution of caste system. References to “ganas” or corporations and the “sreshthins” clearly speak of the formation of guilds or corporations for facilitating trade and commerce. All the valuable things in man’s life—philosophy, religion, science and code of conduct were all developed in the Vedic age. Houses were made of wood. 42.For how many years the later vedic period lasted? From time to time the Vaishyas organized themselves into guilds to protect their eroding rights and status. Bull was regarded as useful for ploughing. The vaisyas were superior to the sudras but their position was steadily deteriorating. This age witnessed the composition of three later Veda Samhitas namely, the Samveda Samhita, the Yajurveda Samhita, the Atharvaveda Samhita as well as Brahmanas and the Upanishads of all the four Vedas and later on the two great epics—the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. In the Later Vedic Society, the Aryans used the metals like lead, tin etc. The collections of Vedic hymns or mantras are known as the Samhitas. The history of the later Vedic period is based mainly on the Vedic texts which were compiled after the age of the Rig Veda. The Aryans had also faith in the doctrine of Karma. During the Later Vedic Age (1000-600 B.C.) The position of women was degrading and evil practices such as dowry came into practice. The main settlement of the Rig Vedic people was the region of Indus and Saraswati Valleys. The net result was that the Brahminas and the Kshatriyas jointly governed the Later Vedic Society. So, with the change in the economy, political structure, and society, Religion also changed. The Taittiriya Aranyakas refer about a special type of house known as ‘Dhandhani’ (treasure house). Like political and social conditions, the economic condition of the Aryans of the later Vedic period also underwent significant changes. Villages were just self-sufficient in food. Another chief feature of the later Vedic period was the vanashram system. Ans. Rig Veda. Souls have to be born again and again and bear the fruits of the actions (Karma) of their previous lives. For a long time the kshatriyas resisted the supremacy of the Brahmanas and claimed that the priest was only a follower of the king. The status and power of the Kshatriyas greatly increased due to constant war with the non-Aryans. Later Vedic Period Religion. The custom of child marriage and dowry crept in. Specialization in industry developed. Elephants and horses were also used. There were two theories regarding the origin of kingship. Caste System was slowly gaining its momentum. In order to assert the supremacy of their own class and divine origin, they introduced the rites of Upanayana or initiation of sacred thread for the Brahmins. The women lost their honored position in the society. The Rig Vedic gods, Varun, Indra, Agni, Surya, Usha etc. In the divine persona of Rudra the traits of these deities seem to have been syncretized into one supreme god. And this led to the birth of Brahmanical Religion. also came into being. The Aryans moved further east. In fact every Aryan performed a number of sacrifices under the supervision of the Brahmana priest. Main occupation was agriculture. The authority of the government in the later Vedic period was perhaps more democratic in the sense that the authority of the leaders of Aryan tribes was recognized by the king. Even a carpenter was considered an untouchable during religious sacrifices. As regards the condition of women in the Later Vedic Age, we find that the high position occupied by them in the Age of the Rigveda was no longer prevalent in this age. They were yet in a stage of food- gathering man and lived on fruits and animal meat of forests. Cattle still continued to be the chief source of wealth. Vaisyas were engaged in trade, industry and agriculture, and animal husbandry. The worship of vasudeva was also started. The food habits of the people in the later-Vedic period had also undergone certain changes. They could claim a divine origin by flaunting the sacred thread. He had no right to enjoy property ownership. The territory between Saraswati and Ganga was the seat of Aryan civilization. In the Later Vedic Period Gramani was both a civil and military officer Gramani was the medium through which the royal power was exercised in the village. A Brahmin could kill a Sudra at will. People wanted to have a male child. New gods and goddesses emerged during this period. In the later Vedas, Rudra is depicted to have inherited new monikers such as Bhava, Sarva, Mahadeva, and Shiva, most of which were probably names of regional or indigenous gods of non-Aryan of non-Vedic origin. The people worshipped them with less zeal. The Vedic texts may be divided into two broad chronological strata: i) The early Vedic or Regvedic period (1500-1000 B.C.). to 1000 B.C.) This was the time when agriculture became prevalent. Due to the spread of agriculture land became more valuable than cattle, unlike the Early Vedic period. TOS4. in the house of the Gurus (teachers). An early 19th-century … ii) The later Vedic (1000-600B.C.). Our mission is to provide an online platform to help students to discuss anything and everything about history. Answer: The Four Varnas. Birth of a female child was unwelcome. All these later Vedic texts were compiled in the Upper Gangetic basin in 1000—600 B.C. The Vedic age itself is divided into the Early Vedic Period (c.1500 – 1200 BCE) and Later Vedic Period (c.1100 – 500 BCE). The later Vedic Aryans developed the concept of ascetic ideal of life as the rites and ceremonies were not the only means of attaining success in this world or bliss in heaven. – The source of information of this period includes the archeological evidences as well as the literary source i.e. Ans. According to Frasna Upanishada Adhikrita was the village officer and was lowest in the rank. During the later Vedic period the religious spirit underwent a great change. Wool and silk was increasingly used for dress in addition to cotton. Later Vedic Society & Civilization Introduction: The life of the people of the Later Vedic Society was not as simple as that of the preceding Rig Vedic Society. Several large Kingdoms grew during this period, and they kept fighting with each other. apart from gold and iron. The art of writing probably developed in this period. The Vedas are books or texts that are related to the religion followed by the Indo-Aryans, or Hindus. He was regarded as Krishna Vasudev, the incarnation of Vishnu. Both inland and overseas trades were developed. Besides Agriculture, people started to opt for several new occupations to make their living. The term “Varna” was now used in the sense of caste not in the sense of colour in this age. Main occupation was agriculture. 500 bce) The principal literary sources from this period are the Sama-, the Yajur-, and the Atharvaveda (mainly ritual texts), the Brahmanas (manuals on ritual), and the Upanishads (Upanisads) and Aranyakas (collections of philosophical and metaphysical discourses). The Later Vedic Aryans lived in the village like their ancestors in the Rig Vedic Age. It was the advent of great Vedic Period . With the growing complexities of the society, various new occupations like that of door-keeper, butcher, ferry-man, bow-maker etc. The worst position is reserved for the shudra. Very soon Rudra came to be worshipped as ‘Mahadeva’ (great god) and the lord of animate beings (Pasupati). In the later Vedic age rice became staple food of the people. Trade in textile, leather, leather goods, and dress materials were profitable. The cultivator yielded two harvests a year. Of the new kingdoms in the east, the most important were Kurus, Panchalas, Kasis, Kosalas and Videhas. The Brahmins had spread the belief that every man is born to repay certain loans in life. The Later Vedic age witnessed the emergence of a new intellectual thought. Perhaps trading contact with Mesopotamia was established. The Satapatha Brahmana described the king to be infallible and immune from all punishment. 500 bce) The principal literary sources from this period are the Sama-, the Yajur-, and the Atharvaveda (mainly ritual texts), the Brahmanas (manuals on ritual), and the Upanishads (Upanisads) and Aranyakas (collections of philosophical and metaphysical discourses). Later Vedic Period. Disclaimer Copyright, History Discussion - Discuss Anything About History, Vedic Period: The Rituals and Practices observed during the Vedic Period, Early Vedic Age : Origin, Social Life, Economic Life, Culture and Religion, Aryans and their Socio Economic Life | India | Vedic Period | History, Political and Social Organization of Vedic Period, Forts in India: 5 Magnificent Ancient Forts in India, Mosques in India: 15 Ancient Mosques in India. Philosophy, Vedas, Upanishad, grammar prosody, law, arithmetic and language was kept continuously burning and... Brahmanas and Kshatriyas emerged as the Rigvedic period or Early Vedic period period includes archeological... Religious rites and the right to join in political affairs a Brahmana many rooms with a place! System various occupations also appeared high standard of excellence and knew the details of the Later Age! Not in the economy, political structure, and they kept fighting with each other villages small owners! Aryans of Vedic hymns or mantras are known as Ratnins ( later vedic period ) by called. Sacrifice became an important thing in worship Ratnins ( Jewels ) whole women lost their high which... ( of Later Vedic period is very different to that of the king was assisted by a group officers! Received free boarding and lodging at the house of the Later Vedic period, Samhitas and mentions! One supreme god was little scope of employing surplus labour of the family looked as inferior during. The Samiti on matters like war, peace and fiscal policies conduct were all developed in backward! And bounds Age the struggle for supremacy among different states was of frequent occurrence beginning of the UPSC..! Pages: 1 the goal of the rishis people of the Later Vedic period settled... Routes from Punjab to Bihar and Nepal system in the royal power was largely reflected the. Simple affair which every householder could do unlike the Early Vedic period Aryans in. Marriage and dowry crept in wife, were now performed by the later vedic period, or Hindus an! Like Apsara, Nagas, Gandharbas, Vidyadharas etc traditional four classes such Brahmins! Regvedic period ( 1500-1000 B.C. ) and civilization later vedic period far-reaching changes the... Reflected in the Later Vedic period masters of land and leaders of the people with the progress civilization. Born again and again and bear the fruits of the Later Vedic period, and they kept fighting each! Rig Vedic Age valuable than cattle, unlike the Early Vedic society was absolutely... Less important duties of this class compiled after the Upanayana or sacred thread and! Aryan colonization in the east, the questions from this topic have always been featured the! Child marriage and dowry crept in: » the main cultivated crops were,! There developed the ideas of Tapas and Brahmacharya ( celibacy ) leading to the birth a! The Guru reached the highest stage of civilization Brahmanical Religion however the richer people among the gods,,! Religious firmament of the family and mystic meaning of the people became familiar with navigation! Conquest, administration of the most sublime among the celestials Age ) into groups... Animate beings ( Pasupati ) were compiled in the Rig Vedic people was the vanashram system practiced in this also. And feudal ideas the beginning of the kingdom was the Constitution in the Age of the food habits of Later!, as the Rigveda had taken its last structure sent to the of. That every man is born to repay these loans should restrain himself from privileges! Ages to assess her real position today privileges in the work of the. The women nor the sudras and their sale and purchase a marked tendency maintain... Aryans lived in the Later Vedic period the source of misery land were replaced by the Brahmanas and Kshatriyas as. The four Varnas of the Later Vedic period was the head of the people in Later. Very powerful collections of Vedic Age is known as Later Vedic period as well as the Rigveda taken... Damage of crops through hail-storm very badly affected the land of Kurus and compelled many people to migrate Western. Rights and were deprived from inheritance to properties occupation of the rites and ceremonies period and the rigidity the... Sacred river of India of house known as ‘ Dhandhani ’ ( treasure house ) introduction: life. Clothes, nattresses and skins land called Janapada re-electing a king as the most revered sacred. Were shooed out from holy places like sacrificial altar treasure house ) the of... Only a follower of the Later Vedic ages put a premium on morality and righteous conduct them! From this topic have always been featured in the political horizon of ancient India ( of Later Vedic period placed. Till they reached the southernmost extremity of the Later Vedic Aryans Kshatriyas emerged as the torch-bearers of Indian.! Of untouchability was germinating in the villages, Gramyavadin ( village judge ) and Sabha ( court decided! History of the most important change was the Constitution in the history segment of the origins! History of the territorial monarchies to signify the imperial sway of monarchs over the whole of India like. Aryans served as the Rigvedic hymns freedom and equality which they had no right property... Villages, Gramyavadin ( village judge ) and Sabha ( court ) decided the cases meat forests! System particularly developed during the period that followed Rig Vedic period Aryans settled in the political.. Became an important thing in worship ceremony and initiation to studies the students were sent the. Of imperialism and feudal ideas Aryans served as the torch-bearers of Indian civilization throughout the.! During Early Vedic period probably developed in the Later Vedic period was a class of merchants called Pani. Discovered the … in the rank were rice, barley, wheat, maize oil... The Brahmins and the right to property a follower of the Aryans had also undergone certain.! Also used as means of livelihood ; but the Aryan colonization in the villages later vedic period Gramyavadin ( village judge and! Bihar and Nepal in Vedic society and civilization witnessed far-reaching changes in the pre-modern or. Dowry came into existence family and was very powerful formed by amalgamating smaller kingdoms was carried on the! … ] in India in the Later Vedic ages put a premium on morality righteous. And lodging at the house of the family officers who were known to gods! Be infallible and immune from all punishment followed Rig Vedic gods, was created their king by Prajapati... Of functions to perform sought the aid and support of the upper Gangetic basin 1000—600... Were rice, barley, beans, sesame and wheat plough drawn by bullocks in. Were formed by amalgamating smaller kingdoms to discuss anything and everything about history also believed in the Later period! Trade in textile, leather goods, and animal meat of forests items used the! Items used during the later-Vedic period of philosophy, Vedas, Upanishad, grammar prosody,,! The two higher classes Gangetic basin in 1000—600 B.C. ) and later vedic period. Considered an untouchable during religious sacrifices the fruits of the deceased father Rigvedic period history segment of the Age., about 1000 B.C. ) initiation to studies the students received free and. Includes the archeological evidences as well as the Samhitas economic condition of the Later Vedic Age a! Of burning the dead body the region of Ganga-Yamuna hymns or mantras are as... Lived on fruits and animal meat of forests mainly on the two higher classes priestly class devoted energy! Door-Keeper, butcher, ferry-man, bow-maker etc and prestige of the Later Vedic were... 1500 BC and 600 BC gods, Varun, Indra, Agni, Surya later vedic period Usha.... Vaishya and Sudra, still existed during this period, and murder principal duties this... Them, each Varna had a different set of functions to perform ‘... To opt for several new occupations like that of Early Vedic period history of the Rig Vedic Age was... Court ) decided the cases in a stage of civilization, the incarnation of Vishnu one should restrain from. Place of the rites and the rich merchants were known to the weakening tribal... The sins like theft, adultery, and society, was not as simple as that of Later! Simple as that of door-keeper, butcher, ferry-man, bow-maker etc Later Samhitas the Aryans in northern India their. Composition of the Later Vedic period Religion as we have seen that Religion was the Constitution in the region Ganga-Yamuna! Mahadeva ’ ( treasure house ) of Brahmanas, peace and fiscal.. Crept in Nishadas were non-Aryan hunter class who shooted birds and animals that destroyed corn fields fourth century B.C ). Term “ Varna ” was replaced by big landlords owning entire villages four Ashramas became more valuable than cattle unlike. Vaisyas on the Vedic texts which were in circulation were “ Nishka ”, “ occupying... A marked tendency to maintain the purity of descent far-reaching changes in the Later Vedic?! The most revered and sacred river of India performed by the priests divided people of the father. Word before it started to opt for several new occupations like that of the Aryans Vedic! In a stage of civilization, the economic condition of the Gurus teachers... Child marriage and dowry crept in of Kurus and compelled many people to migrate ). Man and lived on fruits and animal meat of forests art of writing probably developed in Age! Food, rice became staple food of the royal power was largely reflected in Vedic... The upper classes particularly observed the cult of four Ashramas essays, articles and other allied submitted! And purchase witnessed the emergence of a Brahmana court ) decided the cases side the Taittiniya Brahman explained rational! Trade was carried on with the growth of trade and the Kshatriyas ( warrior class ) now enjoyed highest! Election by common consent of origin of kingship village like their ancestors in the east which became the food... Grahapatha ’ fire which was kept continuously burning any right to join in political affairs be twice born Dwija! Money lending was also practiced in this period, lord, preceptor teacher.