The Vedic Era: From Early to Later Vedic Society (1500–600 BCE)

Vedic Era (c. 1500–600 BCE) — Major Period of ancient Indian history during which the Vedas, India’s oldest sacred texts, were composed. This age is also conventionally divided by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) into the Early Vedic Period (c. 1500–1000 BCE) and the Later Vedic Period (c. 1000–600 BCE). The age saw the change from a mostly nomadic and tribal culture to one in which village-based agrarian societies were dominated by expanding kingdoms, new political systems and colonialism. It was also the origin of Indian religion, social organisation, philosophy and cultural traditions which provide the basis for subsequent civilisations.

Meaning and Concept of the Vedas

The oldest sacred literature of India, the Vedas, are basic to both Vedic Era literature and Hindu philosophy. Veda is a Sanskrit word derived from the root Vid ‘to know’ or knowledge. Written in Vedic Era Sanskrit, the Vedas were preserved through an elaborate oral tradition until being committed to writing. They include hymns, prayers, rituals, philosophical concepts, as well as texts regarding religion, society, politics and daily life during the Vedic Age.

Classification of the Four Vedas

Introduction to the Vedic Era Aryans

The Vedic Era Aryans were an early Indo-Aryan-speaking pastoral people who migrated into the north-western Indian subcontinent circa 1500 BCE. Much of what is known about them comes via the Vedas, which are the oldest sacred scriptures, with which their society, economy, religion and culture are intricately linked. The Vedic Aryans were semi-nomadic pastoralists, who depended on cattle rearing, particularly the cow, which in fact was a symbol of affluence. Eventually, they evolved into sedentary agricultural societies.

The Kshatriya society was organised into tribal groupings called Jana, led by a chief known as Rajan. Followers worshipped gods of nature such as Indra, Agni and Varuna with hymns and oblations. These developments served as the basis for what would evolve into Vedic Aryan culture, language, and religious traditions that would shape subsequent progress in Indian civilisation.

 Vedic Era Period (1500–600 BC)

The Vedic Era  Period in ancient India is a significant time encompassing the composition of the Vedic Era texts and the transition of society from tribal pastoralism to settled agrarianism (1500–600 BC). This is further divided into the Early Vedic Period (1500–1000 BC) and the Later Vedic Period (1000–600 BC). It represents a turning point in socio-economic organisation, religious belief and political organisation, forming the basis of early Indian civilisation.

Early Vedic Era  Period (1500–1000 BC)

• Also known as the Rigvedic Age, where the Rigveda was composed, this is called the Early Vedic Period
• Society was largely pastoral, with cattle farming as the dominant industry.
• Wealth and currency were primarily measured in cows.
• Individuals used to live in clan formation called Jana, governed by a head known as Rajan.
• The political system was primitive and tribal, with councils such as the Sabha and Samiti.
• It was a nature-worship religion wherein gods like Indra, Agni and Varuna were worshipped.
• There was no system of strict castes, and most people had equal standing in society.
• Mixed farming, combining livestock with barley cultivation (wheat through the second half of this period, to a lesser extent), became part of the economy.
• Life was semi-nomadic for the most part, and rural in nature.

Later Vedic Era Period (1000–600 BC)

• After this, there was the Later Vedic Period (1000–600 BC), which saw the transition of earlier pastoral life into a settlement-based agrarian society.
• Political units grew into janapadas and early kingdoms.
• Kingship turned hereditary and increasingly powerful with the backing of rituals such as Rajasuya and Ashvamedha.
• With the rise of the Varna system, society became hierarchical.
• Brahmanas gained importance because of intricate ceremonies and sacrifices.
• The economy was dependent on agriculture, the use of iron tools, and surplus production.
• This is when wealth started to be based on land and land became one of the main subjects for quarrel.
• With the dominance of yajnas, religion became more ritualistic and formal.
• Ayas: an enhanced technology in iron that advanced agriculture and implements.
• It also structured social life in a way that was far less egalitarian.

Political Life of the Vedic Era Period 

Social Structure of Early and Later Vedic Era Society

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Economic Life of Early and Later Vedic Era Society

FAQs on the Vedic Era Period