Introduction to the Vedic Period
After the end of the Harappan civilization, the Vedic civilization, also known as the Aryans, marked a new beginning in Indian culture. Harappan civilization was mostly ignored by the Aryans. They did not build cities, states, or granaries, and they did not use writing. They were known as the "noble ones" or "superior ones," and their name was derived from the Indo-European root word "ar," which meant "noble." In Sanskrit, they were known as the "Aryas" ("Aryans"), but the same root, "ar," would also be used to call the conquered Persian territories, "Iran".
In fact, the concept of nobility appears in another country's name, "Ireland," or "Eire," indicating that it seems to lie at the heart of the Indo-European mind. To separate themselves from the people they conquered, they would adopt the title of "superior" or "noble." The early Vedic period and later Vedic period are discussed here. Let’s look into it.
Early and Later Vedic Period
Let us look at the early and later Vedic periods here. The early Vedic period is also known as the pre-Vedic period.
Early Vedic Period
This is also referred to as the pre-Vedic period. In addition to the archaeological legacy outlined above, the Vedas, India's earliest literary record, date from this period. The Vedas are composed of the 4 major texts: the Rig-, the Sama-, the Yajur-, and the Atharvaveda—all written in archaic, or Vedic, Sanskrit and transmitted orally between 1500 and 800 BCE. The Rigveda is thought to be the oldest of these. Hymns, charms, spells, and ritual observations are among the texts, which were popular among Indo-European-speaking peoples known as Aryans (from Sanskrit Arya, "noble") who moved to India from Iran.
The Indo-European homeland is linked to theories regarding the origins of the Aryans, whose language is also called Aryan. European scholars who first studied Sanskrit in the 17th and 18th centuries CE were struck by how similar its syntax and vocabulary were to Greek and Latin. This led to the notion that these and other related languages shared a common origin, which became known as the Indo-European group of languages.
As a result, the idea that Indo-European-speaking peoples began in a common homeland from which they spread across Asia and Europe developed. The theory triggered widespread speculation about the original homeland and the period or periods of dispersal from it, which continues to this day. The "Aryan problem" continues to beset Vedic India research, clouding the true search for historical insight into this period.
The Later Vedic Period (c. 800–c. 500 BCE)
The later Vedic period details are given here in detail.
The Sama-, Yajur-, and Atharvaveda (primarily ritual books), the Brahmanas (texts on ritual), and the Upanishads (Upanisads) and Aranyakas are the most important literary sources from this period (collections of philosophical and metaphysical discourses). The sutra texts, which are essentially explanatory aids to the other works and include instructions on sacrifices and rites, home observances, and social and legal ties, are associated with the corpus. The texts cannot be accurately dated to the early period because they were continuously revised.
The Dharma-sutra texts of this period served as a foundation for succeeding centuries' socio-legal Dharma-shastras.
Historians previously assigned the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, two great Indian epics, to this time period, but recent scholarship has cast doubt on these dates. Both works combine historical and legendary elements, were rewritten and edited multiple times, suffered from frequent interpolation as late as the early centuries CE, and were later converted into sacred literature with the deification of their heroes.
As a result, despite their importance in the literary and religious tradition, they are difficult to associate with a historical period. The Mahabharata's core event is a war between two sets of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, which takes place in the upper Ganges–Yamuna Doab and surrounding areas. Although the war is traditionally dated to around 3102 BCE, most historians prefer a later date. The Ramayana takes place in central India and the middle Ganges valley, with later interpolations expanding the location farther south.
Beginning of the Historical Period, c. 500–150 BCE
A variety of historical sources are available for this period of Indian history. The Buddhist canon, which covers the Buddha's time (c. 6th–5th century BCE) and beyond, is essential as a cross-reference for Brahmanic sources. This is also true of Jain sources, though to a lesser extent. There are secular works on political economy and reports of foreign travels from the 4th century BCE. The most important sources, however, are 3rd century BCE inscriptions.
(on the Left) India c. 500 BCE, Ashoka's empire at its greatest extent, c. 250 BCE (on the right).
Pre-Mauryan states
From the beginning of this time, Buddhist writings and other sources mention 16 large states (Mahajanapada) dominating the northern part of the subcontinent. Gandhara, Kamboja, Kuru-Pancala, Matsya, Kashi, and Koshala are among those mentioned in Vedic literature as having existed since the Vedic period.
Avanti, Ashvaka, Shurasena, Vatsa, Cedi, Malla, Vrijji, Magadha, and Anga were among the new states, either newly founded from declining older ones or new areas gaining importance. The fact that so many new states are mentioned in the eastern Ganges valley is partially due to the eastern focus of the sources and partly due to the eastern areas' increasing preeminence.
Location
The districts of Peshawar, as well as the lower Swat and Kabul valleys, were part of Gandhara, which sat astride the Indus. For a while, its freedom was terminated by its inclusion as one of the Achaemenian Empire of Persia's 22 satrapies (c. 519 BCE). Its major role as a channel for communication with Iran and Central Asia, as well as its trade in woolen items, remained unchanged.
In the northwest, Kamboja adjoined Gandhara. Originally thought to be a land of Aryan speakers, Kamboja soon lost its importance, ostensibly because its people did not observe the sacred Brahmanic rites—a condition that would be repeated throughout the north as a result of peoples and cultures mixing through migration and trade. Kamboja developed into a major trading center for horses brought in from Central Asia.
Did You Know?
Let us know some information on the rise of small kingdoms in the north.
Diodotus I, the Greek governor of Bactria, rose up against the Seleucid king Antiochus II Theos and declared his independence, which Antiochus accepted around 250 BCE. Parthia declared its independence as well.
Conclusion
Thus, in this article we have covered information about the Early and later Vedic Period. Both periods show the change in society. It shows how our society went through different changes during these periods in terms of social, cultural and political factors.
FAQs on The Vedic Period of Indian History
1. What defines the Vedic Period in Indian history?
The Vedic Period is the era in ancient Indian history when the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, were composed. This period is generally dated from approximately 1500 BCE to 600 BCE. It is named after the Vedas, which are the primary sources of information about the life, society, and culture of the people of this age, often identified as the Indo-Aryans who settled in the northern Indian subcontinent.
2. What are the four main Vedas and what does each one contain?
The four main Vedas are the foundational texts of the Vedic tradition. Each has a specific focus:
- Rigveda: The oldest and most important Veda, it is a collection of 1,028 hymns (suktas) dedicated to various deities like Agni, Indra, and Soma.
- Samaveda: This Veda consists mainly of hymns from the Rigveda that are set to melodies. It is a book of chants and was used by priests during soma sacrifices.
- Yajurveda: Known as the book of rituals, it contains the prose mantras and prayers used during yajnas (sacrificial rites). It serves as a liturgical handbook for priests.
- Atharvaveda: This Veda is a collection of spells, charms, and hymns for magical and healing purposes, addressing everyday problems, diseases, and anxieties.
3. What was the 'Varna' system as described in the Vedic texts?
The 'Varna' system, mentioned in texts like the Purusha Sukta of the Rigveda, was a social classification. It divided society into four main groups based on occupation or function:
- Brahmins: Priests, scholars, and teachers who were responsible for religious rituals and preserving knowledge.
- Kshatriyas: Warriors, rulers, and administrators tasked with protecting the society.
- Vaishyas: Farmers, merchants, and traders who formed the economic backbone.
- Shudras: Labourers and service providers who supported the other three varnas.
Initially, this system was more flexible and based on one's profession, but it became more rigid and hereditary over time.
4. What are the key differences between the Early Vedic and Later Vedic periods?
The Vedic Period is divided into two distinct phases with significant differences:
- Geography: In the Early Vedic Period (c. 1500-1000 BCE), society was centred in the Saptasindhu region (Punjab and its surroundings). In the Later Vedic Period (c. 1000-600 BCE), the centre of civilization shifted eastward to the Gangetic plains.
- Economy: The early period was primarily pastoral, with cattle as the main source of wealth. The later period became more agrarian, with the widespread use of iron tools for clearing forests and ploughing fields.
- Political Structure: Early Vedic polity was tribal, led by a 'Rajan' (chief) whose power was limited by assemblies like the Sabha and Samiti. The later period saw the rise of large kingdoms known as 'Janapadas' with more powerful, hereditary kings.
- Society: Early Vedic society was more egalitarian, while the Later Vedic society saw the Varna system become more rigid and complex.
5. How was the society and economy structured during the Early Vedic Period?
During the Early Vedic Period (c. 1500-1000 BCE), society was semi-nomadic and tribal. The primary social unit was the family (kula), and multiple families formed a village (grama). The tribe was called a 'Jana'. The economy was predominantly pastoral, with cattle being the most important measure of wealth. Agriculture was secondary, with barley being the main crop. There was no concept of currency; trade was conducted through a barter system.
6. How did the political system evolve from 'Jana' to 'Janapada' within the Vedic Age?
The evolution from 'Jana' to 'Janapada' marks the shift from a tribal to a territorial political system. In the Early Vedic period, the 'Jana' represented a tribe or a group of people, not a specific territory. The leader, or 'Rajan', was more of a tribal chief. With the transition to a settled, agricultural lifestyle in the Later Vedic Period, people's loyalty shifted from their tribe to the land they inhabited. These territories came to be known as 'Janapadas' (meaning 'foothold of a tribe'), which were early kingdoms with a more defined geographical area and a more powerful, hereditary king.
7. What was the status of women during the Vedic Age?
The status of women varied significantly between the two phases of the Vedic Age. In the Early Vedic Period, women held a position of respect. They had access to education, could participate in religious ceremonies, and even attended tribal assemblies like the 'Sabha' and 'Samiti'. Some women, like Ghosha and Lopamudra, are credited with composing hymns of the Rigveda. However, in the Later Vedic Period, their status generally declined. They were often excluded from public assemblies, and their roles became more restricted to the domestic sphere.
8. What is the lasting legacy of the Vedic Period on Indian culture and religion?
The Vedic Period left a profound and lasting legacy on India. Its most significant contributions include:
- Religious Foundations: It laid the groundwork for Hinduism, with the Vedas and Upanishads serving as foundational scriptures.
- Philosophical Concepts: Ideas like Dharma (duty), Karma (action), and reincarnation have their roots in Vedic thought.
- Social Structure: The Varna system, though it evolved significantly, was a social framework that influenced the Indian caste system for centuries.
- Language: Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas, is the ancestor of many modern North Indian languages and remains a classical language of India.
- Epic Literature: The cultural milieu of the Later Vedic Period provided the backdrop for the composition of great epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
