Later Vedic period (1000 BC- 500 BC)
Vedic Period is classified into
Later Vedic period (1000 BC- 500 BC)
- Vedic literature (Sama veda, Yajur veda, Atharvaveda)
- Political organization
- Social organization
- Economy
- Religion
Political Organisation
Janas become jannapada are the large portion of land divided and battle for land have begun
Kingship became hereditary (Transfer of Kingdom to their sons). Assembly lost its importance, and royal lower increased at their cost.
The term Rashtra indicating territory, first appeared in the period.
Women were no longer permitted to attend assemblies.
Social organization
The four-fold division of society become more clear, initially based on occupation clear, and later became hereditary, dominance of one on another is clearly visible.
- Brahmin– The growing practices, rituals and sacrifices added more power to Brahmins
- Kshatriyas – Constituted the warriors class.
- Vaishyas – They were the agriculturists, cattle rearers, traders, artisans and metal workers.
- Shudars – Lowest of all meant to serve the above three classes
Economy
As the Iron was discovered in this period and the transformation from Copper to Iron has seen here. Where the main importance to agriculture and land holdings has given prominence than cow.
With the use of Iron tools the large forest areas were cleared and agriculture was practiced
War were fought mainly for land
Religion
As the rituals and sacrifices became important to empower kings many practice are performed for well being of king (Aswamedha Yagas, Rajasuya etc)
- Prajapathi – The creator become the Very important god and the gods Agni and Indra lost importance
- Pushan – Became the god for Shudras (God responsible for protecting cattle’s)
- Rudra and Vishnu Gods also became prominence
Vedic age articles Refer Here
- Refer here for more details – “Early Vedic period”
- Refer here for more details – “later Vedic period”
- Refer Article on – “Vedic literature”
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