The Vedic Age refers to the period when the Vedas were composed in ancient India, roughly between 1500 BCE and 600 BCE. It is divided into the Early Vedic (Rigvedic) period and the Later Vedic period. This topic is important for understanding ancient Indian society and religion.
The Four Vedas
- Rigveda – oldest; collection of hymns. The Gayatri Mantra is from it.
- Samaveda – book of melodies; called the root of Indian music.
- Yajurveda – book of rituals and sacrificial formulae.
- Atharvaveda – contains spells, charms and remedies.
Early Vedic Period
In the Early Vedic period the Aryans lived in the Sapta Sindhu (land of seven rivers) region. Society was tribal and largely pastoral, with cattle as the main measure of wealth. The tribal chief was called the Rajan. The main god was Indra, and women enjoyed a respectable position.
Later Vedic Period
In the Later Vedic period people moved eastward to the Ganga-Yamuna doab. Agriculture became the main occupation and the use of iron spread. The varna system became rigid. Larger kingdoms (janapadas) emerged, and kings performed sacrifices like the Ashvamedha and Rajasuya. The position of women declined.
Religion and Texts
The Later Vedic texts include the Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads. The Upanishads discuss philosophy, the soul (Atman) and the universal spirit (Brahman). The chief gods of the later period were Prajapati, Vishnu and Rudra.
Quick Revision Points
- Vedic Age: about 1500 BCE to 600 BCE.
- Rigveda is the oldest Veda; Gayatri Mantra is from it.
- Samaveda is the root of Indian music.
- Early Vedic main god: Indra; tribal chief: Rajan.
- Cattle was the main wealth in the Early Vedic period.
- Later Vedic period saw the rigid varna system and use of iron.
- Upanishads deal with Atman and Brahman.