Characteristics of the Later Vedic period

The history of the later Vedic period is primarily dependent on Vedic texts compiled after the Veda. The collections of Vedic hymns or mantras are known as the Samhitas (Vedic scriptures), and Iron took a long time to develop. Iron implements dating from the seventh-century bc have been discovered in eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Videha, & the metal is known as Shyama or Krishna ayas. Farming was the later Vedic people’s primary source of subsistence. They also developed barley, but rice and wheat were their main crops during the later Vedic period. Various arts & crafts flourished throughout the later Vedic period. Settlements can be deduced from excavations and expeditions.

What is the Later Vedic Period?

Later Vedic Age is the period that followed the Rig Vedic Era. In the Upper Gangetic basin between 1000 and 600 B.C., all of these later Vedic writings were assembled. The Aryans ruled Northern India from the Himalayas to the Vindhyas during the period illustrated by Later Samhitas.

The Sama Veda Samhita, the Yajurveda Samhita, the Atharvaveda Samhita, Brahmanas, and Upanishads of all four Vedas, and eventually the two great narratives Ramayana and the Mahabharata—were written during this period.

And this period stretches its primary dependency based on Vedic texts compiled after the Veda.

Characteristics of Later Vedic Age

Caste System:

The caste system was the main characteristic of the Later Vedic Age. These four major works resulted in the formation of four major castes over time. The priestly caste known as the Brahmana was made up of those who fulfilled religious responsibilities. The warrior class known as the Kshatriya was made up of those who fought in conflicts. The Vaisya were those who pursued agriculture, trade, or other constructive endeavours. Finally, individuals who provided social and menial services were referred to as Sudras, the lowest caste. Women lost their prior prestige during the later Vedic period. Polygamy, or a man marrying multiple wives, became a social vice. Because of their affluence, the upper castes used this system. There was also a case of child marriage. The dowry system was in use. Women’s property rights were increasingly eroded. 

Later Vedic Age Compositions:

This era is built on Vedic texts compiled after the Veda, and the Samhita are collections of Vedic hymns or mantras. The Veda was set to tune after the hymns were performed, and the Sama Veda Samhita was born. 

Following the Samhitas came the Brahmanas, a collection of literature that discussed rites’ social and religious components.

The economy in the Later Vedic Period

Where the painted Grey Ware to Iron Phase Culture emerged:

• Earthen pots and dishes constructed of painted grey pottery were discovered during excavations in the upper Gangetic basin. These items are from the same region and period as the post-Vedic collections (approximately 1000-600 BC). As a result, these locations are known as the Painted Grey Ware sites or places. 

• In the late Vedic period, farming was the primary source of income, and people lived in settled communities. Ploughing was accomplished with a timber ploughshare. The Vedic people kept growing barley, but rice (vrihi) and wheat (godhuma) became their main crops throughout this time.

• During 1000 BC, iron became popular, and it was discovered within tombs in Pakistan and Baluchistan. From circa 800 BC, iron was utilised to produce weaponry such as arrows and spearheads in Uttar Pradesh. 

Later Vedic Religion

Much of the Rig-Veda religion’s purity was lost during the later Vedic period. The priestly class’s dominance grew stronger. The priests devised complex devotional rituals. Sacrifices became more widespread as time went on. Indra and Agni, the two most powerful gods, have lost their prominence. In the later Vedic period, on the other hand, Prajapati (The Creator) ascended to the throne. Some of the Rigvedic period’s minor gods, such as Rudra (the god of animals) and Vishnu, rose to prominence (the preserver and protector of people).

Conclusion

Therefore, the Later Vedic Period saw extreme economic, social, political, and religious changes weighing the aspects of both good and evil. This period was primarily dependent on Vedic texts, scriptures, hymns, mantras, and more, which impacted society on a large scale. Kingdoms grew larger, more powerful kings and queens ruled and implemented regulations according to those Vedic texts. Trading, commerce, food industries, women’s rights, child marriage, caste system, and religious system affected people during that period. The Aryans expanded administration and Political systems. The most powerful figures aspired to be the single ruler (Ekarat or Samrat) and master of the land (Sarvabhauma).