Economic Structure in Later Vedic Period

The time that arose after the age of the Rig Veda is referred to as the Later Vedic Period. This age includes the fusion of three Later Veda Samhitas, namely, the “Samveda Samhita”, the “Yajurveda Samhita” and the “Atharva Veda Samhita”. Moreover, the Brahmanas and Upanishads of all the four Vedas and, later, the epics -” Mahabharata” and “Ramayana” are also important texts of this age. In this period, the Aryans secured the entirety of North India, i.e., from the Himalayas to the Vindhyas.  By 400  B.C  the Aryans were spread across all of India. They started moving southwards bit by bit but their colonisation of the south was not entirely like the northern region.

Administrative system 

In administrative work, the king was helped by a group of high-ranking officials who were known as Ratnins (jewels). They consisted of tax collectors, charioteers, courtiers, military generals, etc. The collection of taxes and tributes was made compulsory.

The king was the justice giver and the punishments were often severe. The father was considered the head of the family and the eldest son inherited the property of the deceased father. Neither women nor Sudras had any right to property. 

Caste system 

There were four traditional castes under which various subcategories evolved over time. The Brahmins and Kshatriyas were considered the two topmost castes among the general population known as Vaisyas. The Sudras were intensely discriminated against.

The Brahmins were considered scholars and priests. They maintained an excellent standard of stature and knew how to perform the rituals. The Kshatriyas were considered warriors whose main duties were military conquests and administration of the kingdom. They also composed hymns and made sacrifices. Vaisyas were mainly engaged in trading, agriculture and animal husbandry. They didn’t enjoy the same privileges as the Brahmins and Kshatriyas, although richer ones were highly respected. The condition of the Sudras was miserable. Their ties were severed from the rest of the castes. They had no right to perform sacrifices or read ritual texts.

Education system

They had an abundantly well-planned education system, as seen in Vedic literature and described by archaeologists. The students were made to learn arithmetic, grammar, language, Upanishads and Vedas.

The students were sent to a gurukula for education which was the house of the guru where the students lived a chaste life of a Brahmacharin whose primary initiative was to study and serve the teacher.

Agricultural system

Agriculture was the chief means of livelihood for the people. Improved methods of fertilisation, sowing, ploughing and manuring were known to the Aryans. Many lands were brought under plantations. Crops were harvested twice a year and multiple varieties of crops, such as wheat, rice, maize and barley, were grown.

Trading systems

The growth of civilization and the beginning of urbanisation favoured the increase of trade and commerce. Both domestic and overseas trading were introduced. Inland trade was done with the people living in the mountains for clothes and skins in exchange for herbs.

Better navigation techniques of the seas were developed by the people. The formation of corporations to facilitate trade was also done with the help of merchants. Money lending was also common during this period.

Occupations

With the emergence of the caste system, there was also a rise in livelihood opportunities. In the archaeological surveys, there are references to chariot makers, blacksmiths, carpenters, musicians, goldsmiths, etc. The ladies were quite efficient in dyeing clothes and knitting. They could also prepare baskets which could be sold. The use of currency and ornaments was also promoted during this period.

Animal husbandry 

Along with agriculture, animal husbandry was also significant. The keeping and rearing of cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, etc. was a common practice. The sites of their pastures were properly maintained. 

Housing and transportation

Houses were made of wood. There are mentions of places made for special purposes such as rituals and sacrifices. Utensils were mainly made of copper. Apartments for women and treasure houses were also made.

The means of transportation and communication were developed with the growth of trade and commerce. The later Vedic Aryans were quite effective in building a proper transport system. Wagons drawn by oxen as well as donkeys were used for common purposes like transportation of goods from one place to another while chariots drawn by horses and elephants were used for wars. Ships, boats and yachts were also used for water transportation and overseas trade activities.

Conclusion

Animal husbandry and agriculture were the backbone of the economy of the Later Vedic period. The beginning of urbanisation led to an increase in trade and commerce. Along the valley of the Ganges, agriculture dominated the economic activity. Different occupations like rearing animals, pottery, blacksmiths, musicians, and goldsmiths arose. Trade and commerce flourished due to the presence of a well-structured transport system which also led to overseas activities.