Later Vedic Age (1000 BC - 600 BC)
The expression 'Later Vedic Age ' comprises the far reaching changes and developments took place in the religious, social, economic and political conditions of the people during the period when the later Shamhitas i.e Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda, and the Brahmans, Arayank and Upanishads were composed. The age is also knows Painted Grey Ware (PGW) iron phase.
Geographical Extent
- During the later Vedie period, Aryana moved into Eastward and Southward areas. A study of the literature reveals that moving from Punjab, the Aryan settled in Delhi and upper Gangetic doab.
- The story of Agni and Videha Madhav moving Eastward, as narrated in Satpatha Brahmana,gives a proof of the Eastward march.
Religion
The importance of Rig Vedic Gods reduced. New God were popularised such as Prajapati, Vishnu and Rudra Pushan, the cow protector, became the God of Shudras.
Political Organisation
- Tiny mihal sendements were replaced by strong kingdoms.
- Powers the king (Samrat) incred. Importance of assemblies declined.
- Women were no longer permited to attend assemblies. The term 'rashtra' indicating territoryfirst appeared in this period.
- A regular my was maintained for the protection of kingdom.
- There were reference of priest (Purohita), Commander-in-chief (Senapati), Charioteer (Suta), Treasure (Sangrahita), Tax collector (Bhagdugha), Chief queen (Mahisi) and the companion (Aksavapa).
Social Life
- The four-fold division of society became clear initially based on occupation, which later became hereditary. The four classes were Brahmin (Priests), Kshatriyas (Warriors), Vaishyas (Agriculturists, cattle-rearers, traders) and Shudras (servers of the upper three).
- Women enjoyed freedom and respect, but their status deteriorated compared to earlier time.
- The institution of gotra appeared in this age first time. Gotra signified descent from common ancestors.
- In this time also, Chariot racing was the main sport and gambling was the main pastime.
Pottery
- The later Vedic people used four types of pottery black ware, red care, black-stripped ware and painted grey ware
- Red ware was most popular among them and has bee found almost all over Western UP. However, the most distinctive pottery of the period is known as Painted Grey Ware, which comprised bowls and dishes, used either for rituals or for eating by the upper classes.
