The Later Vedic Period marks the phase after the Rigvedic period. The compilation of all the Vedas other than the Rigveda is called the Later Vedic Period.
This period is important for exams because many changes took place in society, polity, religion and economy. The importance of old tribal assemblies declined, royal power increased, rituals became more elaborate, the varna system became clearer, and concepts like Gotra and Four Ashramas appeared.
Table of Contents
Meaning of Later Vedic Period
The Later Vedic Period encompasses the texts and social changes associated with the post-Rigvedic era
This period includes the study of texts and social changes connected with:
- Yajurveda Samhita
- Samaveda Samhita
- Atharvaveda Samhita
- Brahmanas and Upanishadic philosophy
What is Samhita?
Samhita means the collection of Vedic hymns or mantras.
The three major Samhitas of the Later Vedic phase include:
| Samhita | Main Feature |
|---|---|
| Yajurveda Samhita | Contains hymns and rituals |
| Samaveda Samhita | Rigvedic prayers set to tune for recitation |
| Atharvaveda Samhita | Contains charms and spells to ward off evils and diseases |
Yajurveda Samhita
The Yajurveda Samhita contains hymns and rituals.
These rituals directly reflect the evolving social and political milieu of the period.
This means the Yajurveda gives important clues about the social and political life of the Later Vedic people.
Samaveda Samhita
The Samaveda Samhita was created for the purpose of recitation.
The prayers of the Rigveda were set to tune, and this modified collection became known as the Samaveda Samhita.
For exams, remember:
- Samaveda is connected with recitation and musical chanting.
- It used Rigvedic prayers in a modified form.
Atharvaveda Samhita
The Atharvaveda Samhita contains charms and spells.
These charms and spells were used to ward off:
- Evils
- Diseases
This shows that Later Vedic religious life included not only rituals and sacrifices but also practices connected with protection from evil and illness.
PGW Sites in the Later Vedic Period
All the Later Vedic texts were compiled in the upper Gangetic basin.
These sites are called Painted Grey Ware or PGW sites because the people used earthen bowls and dishes made of painted grey pottery.
Why are They Called PGW Sites?
They are called PGW sites because people used:
- Earthen bowls
- Earthen dishes
- Painted grey pottery
This pottery is one of the important archaeological indicators of the Later Vedic Period.
Iron Use in the Later Vedic Period
The Later Vedic people used iron weapons.
With iron weapons, the Vedic people expanded their influence and used iron axes to clear dense forests for agriculture
Iron was called:
- Shyama
- Krishna Ayas
Agriculture in the Later Vedic Period
Agriculture expanded during the Later Vedic Period.
Later Vedic people produced:
- Barley
- Rice
- Wheat
Rice and wheat became their staple food.
Rice was called Vrihi in Later Vedic texts.
They also produced various kinds of lentils.
Crafts and Occupations
The Later Vedic people practised several crafts.
Major crafts and occupations included:
- Weaving
- Leather work
- Pottery
- Carpenter’s work
Weaving was confined to women but was practised on a wide scale.
Leather work, pottery and carpentry also made progress during this period.
Pottery Types in the Later Vedic Period
The Later Vedic people were acquainted with four types of pottery:
| Pottery Type |
|---|
| Black and Red Ware |
| Black-slipped Ware |
| Painted Grey Ware |
| Red Ware |
Among these, Painted Grey Ware is especially important because it is closely associated with Later Vedic sites.
Houses in the Later Vedic Period
The Later Vedic people lived in:
- Mud brick houses
- Wattle and daub houses
Wattle and daub houses were erected on wooden poles.
This shows that their settlements were more developed than earlier tribal life, but they were still not highly urban like the Harappan cities.
Political Organization in the Later Vedic Period
The political system changed significantly during the Later Vedic Period.
During this period, early Rigvedic assemblies lost their political dominance as royal authority expanded.
Decline of Assemblies
In the Later Vedic Period:
- Vidatha completely disappeared.
- Sabha and Samiti continued, but their character changed.
- Women were no longer permitted to sit in the Sabha.
This shows that political participation became more restricted than in the Rigvedic period.
Election of the King
Later Vedic texts contain occasional references to the election of kings based on physical and leadership qualities.
The person considered best in physical and other qualities was elected king.
However, the practice of primogeniture was also becoming stronger.
Meaning of Primogeniture
Primogeniture means that the throne was given to the eldest son.
This shows a shift toward hereditary monarchy.
Bali in Later Vedic Period
The king received Bali from the common people.
In this period, Bali became more connected with the authority of the king.
Important Rituals in the Later Vedic Period
Rituals became very important during the Later Vedic Period.
Kings performed major sacrifices to strengthen their influence.
The three principal royal sacrifices performed to affirm sovereignty were:
- Rajasuya Yajna
- Ashvamedha Yajna
- Vajapeya Yajna
Rajasuya Yajna
Rajasuya Yajna was performed to confer supreme power on the king.
It was an important ritual connected with kingship and authority.
Ashvamedha Yajna
Ashvamedha Yajna was performed for unquestioned control over an area.
In this ritual, the royal horse ran uninterrupted through a territory. The king’s authority was accepted over the area where the horse moved without challenge.
Vajapeya Yajna
In the Vajapeya Yajna, the royal chariot was made to win a race against the king’s kinsmen.
This ritual symbolically strengthened the king’s superiority.
Tax Collection and Army
The officer in charge of tax collection was called Sangrihitri.
Despite growing royal power, the king still did not maintain a permanent standing army.
This means there was no permanent regular army under the king.
Social Organisation in the Later Vedic Period
The Later Vedic society was divided into varnas.
Society was structured into four distinct varnas:
- Brahmanas
- Rajanyas / Kshatriyas
- Vaishyas
- Shudras
The varna system became more defined during this period.
Brahmanas
The Brahmanas conducted rituals and sacrifices for their clients.
They also performed festivals associated with agriculture.
The Brahmanas prayed for the success of their patrons in war.
Kshatriyas
The Kshatriyas represented the warrior class.
They were connected with political power, warfare and kingship.
Vaishyas
The Vaishyas were the common people.
They were assigned producing functions such as:
- Agriculture
- Cattle breeding
- Artisan work
- Trade
Vaishyas formed the primary producing class and served as the chief tribute-payers.
Shudras
The Shudras were assigned to serve the upper three varnas.
They did not enjoy the same ritual status as the upper varnas.
Upanayana Sanskar and Sacred Thread
The upper three varnas were entitled to Upanayana Sanskar, or investiture with the sacred thread according to Vedic mantras.
The fourth varna, the Shudras, was deprived of:
- Sacred thread ceremony
- Recitation of the Gayatri Mantra
However, certain artisan groups like the Rathakara (chariot-maker) retained high social status.
Family, Ancestors and Gotra
The right of primogeniture became stronger in this period.
Male ancestors came to be worshipped.
The institution of Gotra appeared in Later Vedic times.
Meaning of Gotra
Literally, Gotra means the cow-pen or the place where cattle belonging to the whole clan are kept.
Over time, Gotra became connected with clan identity.
Gotra Exogamy
Gotra exogamy was practised.
It means no marriage could take place between persons belonging to the same gotra.
This is an important social feature of the Later Vedic Period.
Four Ashramas in the Later Vedic Period
Ideal human life was conceptualized into four distinct stages or Ashramas.
| Ashrama | Meaning | Age Group |
|---|---|---|
| Brahmachari | Student life | 0–25 years |
| Grihastha | Householder life | 25–50 years |
| Vanaprastha | Hermit life | 50–75 years |
| Sannyasin | Ascetic life | 75–100 years |
The Four Ashramas represent the ideal division of life in Later Vedic thought.
Gods, Rituals and Philosophy
The Rigvedic gods lost their earlier importance in the Later Vedic Period.
Religious worship shifted as the trinity of principal deities –
- Brahma
- Vishnu
- Mahesh
Idolatry became popular.
Pushan and the Shudras
Pushan, who was earlier supposed to look after cattle, came to be regarded as the god of the Shudras.
This shows how religious ideas began to reflect social divisions.
Purpose of Worship
People continued to worship gods for material reasons, as they did in the Rigvedic period.
They asked for:
- Praja
- Pashu
- Wealth
- Health
- Food
Prayers continued to be recited, but sacrifices became much more important.
Sacrifices took both:
- Public character
- Domestic character
FAQs on Later Vedic Period
What are the main sources of the Vedic Age?
The compilation of all the Vedas other than the Rigveda is called the Later Vedic Period.
What is Samhita?
Samhita means a collection of Vedic hymns or mantras.
What does Yajurveda Samhita contain?
The Yajurveda Samhita contains hymns and rituals. These rituals reflect the social and political conditions of the time.
What is Samaveda Samhita known for?
The Samaveda Samhita is known for Rigvedic prayers set to tune for recitation.
What does Atharvaveda Samhita contain?
The Atharvaveda Samhita contains charms and spells to ward off evils and diseases.
What are PGW sites?
PGW sites are Painted Grey Ware sites. They are associated with people who used earthen bowls and dishes made of painted grey pottery.
What was iron called in the Later Vedic Period?
Iron was called Shyama or Krishna Ayas.
What were the main crops of the Later Vedic Period?
The main crops were barley, rice and wheat. Rice was called Vrihi.
Which assembly disappeared in the Later Vedic Period?
The Vidatha completely disappeared in the Later Vedic Period.
What is Ashvamedha Yajna?
Ashvamedha Yajna was performed for unquestioned control over a territory where the royal horse ran uninterrupted.
Who was Sangrihitri?
Sangrihitri was the officer in charge of tax collection.
What is Gotra?
Literally, Gotra means the cow-pen or the place where cattle belonging to the whole clan are kept.
What is Gotra exogamy?
Gotra exogamy means marriage could not take place between persons belonging to the same gotra.
What are the Four Ashramas?
The Four Ashramas are Brahmachari, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sannyasin.
Which gods became important in the Later Vedic Period?
The trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh became important in the Later Vedic Period.
Last Moment Exam Cheat Sheet – Later Vedic Period
- The compilation of all Vedas other than the Rigveda is called the Later Vedic Period.
- Samhita means collection of Vedic hymns or mantras.
- Yajurveda Samhita contains hymns and rituals.
- Samaveda Samhita contains Rigvedic prayers set to tune.
- Atharvaveda Samhita contains charms and spells to ward off evils and diseases.
- Later Vedic texts were compiled in the upper Gangetic basin.
- PGW means Painted Grey Ware.
- Later Vedic people used iron weapons.
- Iron was called Shyama or Krishna Ayas.
- Iron axe helped in clearing forests for agriculture.
- Main crops were barley, rice and wheat.
- Rice was called Vrihi.
- Weaving was confined to women but practised widely.
- Four pottery types were Black and Red Ware, Black-slipped Ware, Painted Grey Ware and Red Ware.
- People lived in mud brick houses or wattle and daub houses.
- Rigvedic assemblies lost importance and royal power increased.
- Vidatha completely disappeared.
- Women were no longer permitted to sit in the Sabha.
- Primogeniture means throne going to the eldest son.
- The king received Bali from common people.
- Rajasuya Yajna gave supreme power to the king.
- Ashvamedha Yajna was for unquestioned control over territory.
- Vajapeya Yajna involved the royal chariot winning a race.
- Tax collection officer was called Sangrihitri.
- The king did not have a standing army.
- Vaishyas were the main tribute-payers.
- Shudras served the upper three varnas.
- Upper three varnas were entitled to Upanayana Sanskar.
- Shudras were denied sacred thread ceremony and Gayatri Mantra recitation.
- Rathakara, or chariot-maker, enjoyed high status.
- Gotra appeared in Later Vedic times.
- Gotra exogamy means no marriage within the same gotra.
- Life was divided into four Ashramas.
- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh became important.
- Pushan came to be regarded as the god of Shudras.