Vedic Period (1500 BCE – 600 BCE)
Delhi Police Exam History Section
1. Introduction
After the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, a new culture emerged in north-western India — known as the Vedic Civilization.
This period gets its name from the Vedas — the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism.
The Vedic age is divided into two phases:
| Phase | Time Period | Region | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rig Vedic Period | 1500 BCE – 1000 BCE | Punjab, NW India | Pastoral life |
| Later Vedic Period | 1000 BCE – 600 BCE | Gangetic plains | Agriculture & State formation |
2. Sources of Vedic History
Vedas → Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva
Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads
Puranas
Later: Dharmasutras, Grihyasutras
Primary Source: Rig Veda (oldest Indian text)
3. Rig Vedic Age Features (Early Vedic)
Society
Tribal society; family = basic unit
Women had higher status; could attend assemblies
Polygamy existed but not very common
Economy
Pastoral → cattle wealth (cows = wealth)
Agriculture existed but limited
No private land ownership yet
Religion
Worship of nature forces
Main Gods: Indra (rain), Agni (fire), Varuna, Soma
No idol worship
Priests → Brahmins performed Yajnas
4. Later Vedic Age Features
Agriculture expanded into Ganga plains
Social stratification hardened → Varna System became rigid
Kingship strengthened → taxation system emerged
Iron (Shyam Ayas) used widely
Trade, crafts, towns gradually developed
New Gods more prominent → Vishnu & Rudra/Shiva
5. Political Structure
Important assemblies: Sabha & Samiti
King = tribal chief initially
In later Vedic period → King became powerful, ministers appointed, tax collected
6. Literature and Language
Language used: Vedic Sanskrit
Rig Veda is in old Vedic Sanskrit, later texts in later Sanskrit forms
7. Comparison Summary (VERY IMPORTANT FOR EXAM)
| Feature | Rig Vedic | Later Vedic |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Pastoral | Agriculture dominant |
| Women | High status | Reduced freedom |
| Religion | Nature worship | Idol concepts emerging |
| Politics | Tribal | Kingdoms, taxation |
| Iron | Not known | Known (used widely) |
Quick Recap
Vedic Age based on Vedas, oldest text → Rig Veda
Divided into Rig Vedic & Later Vedic Period
Rig Vedic → pastoral, women high status, Indra chief god
Later Vedic → agricultural expansion, iron use, varna system rigid
Key Assemblies → Sabha & Samiti
Sample Questions
Which Veda is the oldest?
Options: (a) Sama Veda (b) Yajur Veda (c) Rig Veda (d) Atharva Veda
View Answer
C. Rig Veda
What metal is associated mainly with Later Vedic Age?
Options: (a) Gold (b) Iron (c) Silver (d) Bronze
View Answer
B. Iron
Which was the main god of Rig Vedic period?
Options: (a) Vishnu (b) Indra (c) Shiva (d) Brahma
View Answer
B. Indra
Sabha & Samiti are related to?
Options: (a) Judicial System (b) Parliament of Rome (c) Early Vedic political assemblies (d) Copper Age religion
View Answer
C. Early Vedic political assemblies
Previous Year Questions (Delhi Police / SSC)
Which Veda contains hymns related to prayers?
Year: SSC GD
View Answer
Rig Veda
Iron was first used extensively in which period?
Year: SSC CHSL
View Answer
Later Vedic Period
Who was the chief deity of Rig Vedic Aryans?
Year: RRB
View Answer
Indra
The society of Rig Vedic period was mainly?
Year: Delhi Police
View Answer
Pastoral
You've completed Vedic Period Concepts!
Courage Tip: Focus on the key differences between Rig Vedic and Later Vedic periods - this is a favorite topic for exam setters. Remember that Rig Vedic was pastoral with high status for women, while Later Vedic saw agricultural expansion, iron usage, and rigid varna system. The comparison table is crucial for quick revision.
Master Vedic Period for Delhi Police Exam!
Join Courage Library for comprehensive study materials and expert guidance.
Be a Couragian!