Vedic Period
Essential Concepts for SSC GD Exams
Introduction
The Vedic Period refers to the era of Indian history when the Vedas were composed and the Aryans settled in India. It shows the development of society, economy, religion, early kingdoms, and literature.
Early Vedic (Rig Vedic) Period
1500–1000 BCE
Later Vedic Period
1000–600 BCE
Simple Definition
The Vedic Period is the era in which the Vedas were written and Aryans lived in India, covering cultural, social, religious, and political developments.
Division of Vedic Period
| Period | Time | Key Book | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Vedic Period | 1500–1000 BCE | Rig Veda | Tribal society, cattle wealth, nature worship |
| Later Vedic Period | 1000–600 BCE | Sama, Yajur, Atharva Veda | Agriculture, kingdom formation, rituals increase |
Memory Trick:
"R → Early, SYA → Later"
Sources of Vedic History
The Four Vedas
| Veda | Content | SSC GK Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Rig Veda | Hymns of gods | Oldest Veda |
| Sama Veda | Music & chants | Basis of Indian classical music |
| Yajur Veda | Ritual formulas | Used by priests |
| Atharva Veda | Magic, healing | Ayurveda references |
Other Literature
- Brahmanas → Ritual explanation
- Aranyakas → Forest books
- Upanishads → Philosophy (soul, moksha)
Memory Trick:
"RSYA → Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva"
Early Vedic Period (Rig Vedic Period)
Time: 1500–1000 BCE | Location: Punjab & Afghanistan region (Sapta Sindhu)
1. Political Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| King (Rajan) | Leader of tribe |
| Sabha & Samiti | Popular assemblies |
| No taxation system | Wealth from wars & gifts |
| Tribal society | No big empires |
Important:
Rig Vedic polity was tribal, democratic, and kings had limited powers.
2. Social Life
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Family | Largest social unit |
| Women | High status, could attend assemblies |
| Marriage | Monogamy, child marriage rare |
| Varna System | Not rigid, mainly job-based |
3. Economic Life
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Economy | Pastoral + agriculture |
| Wealth | Based on cows (gomata) |
| Occupation | Agriculture, weaving, carpentry |
| Metals | Mainly copper & bronze |
4. Religion
Nature Worship:
- Indra, Agni, Varuna, Surya, Mitra
- No idol worship
- No temples
- Simple yajnas
Most Important God:
Indra (God of rain & war)
Later Vedic Period (1000–600 BCE)
Expansion: Eastward towards Ganga–Yamuna plains
1. Political Life
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Kings gained power | Emergence of big kingdoms |
| Taxation started | Bali (tax) |
| Rise of ministers | Purohit, Senani |
| Army formation | Regular army |
2. Social Life
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Varna System | Became rigid |
| Women | Lost freedom, no assemblies |
| Family | Father dominant |
| Gotra system | Developed |
Important:
Varna System becomes birth-based in Later Vedic.
3. Economic Life
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Main occupation |
| New tool | Iron (Krishna Ayas) |
| Trade | Increased |
| Coins | Nishka (gold); barter also used |
4. Religion
Changes:
- Rituals & yajnas increased
- Idol worship started
- Brahmins gained power
New Gods:
- Prajapati
- Vishnu
- Rudra (Shiva)
Sapta Sindhu Region (Land of 7 Rivers)
Important for exam.
Seven Rivers
- Indus
- Ravi
- Beas
- Sutlej
- Jhelum
- Chenab
- Saraswati
Memory Trick:
"IRBSJCS" → 7 Rivers
Comparison – Early vs Later Vedic Period
Very important for SSC GD
| Aspect | Early Vedic | Later Vedic |
|---|---|---|
| Location | NW India | Ganga plains |
| Economy | Cattle-based | Agriculture |
| Metal | Copper/Bronze | Iron |
| Religion | Nature worship | Ritual worship |
| Varna | Flexible | Rigid |
| Women | High status | Decline |
| Polity | Tribal | Kingdoms |
Important Vedic Terms (Exam-Focused)
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rajan | King |
| Sabha–Samiti | Assemblies |
| Varnas | Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra |
| Grihapati | Head of family |
| Gavishti | Battle for cows |
| Gotra | Lineage |
| Aryavarta | Land of Aryans |
Vedic Economy Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Crops | Barley, wheat, rice (later) |
| Animals | Cows, horses |
| Metals | Copper, bronze, iron (later) |
| Trade | Barter + coins |
| Tools | Wooden plough, iron tools |
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