Topic 3.2 · History · Vedic Age

Later Vedic Age

Later Vedic Age is studied as part of "Vedic Age" (Ancient India) in History. The Vedic Age (c. 1500 – 600 BCE) is known through the four Vedas. The Rig Vedic period was pastoral and egalitarian; the Later Vedic period saw the rise of kingdoms, the varna system and elaborate rituals.

In the examination context, later vedic age carries conceptual questions that test both factual recall and analytical understanding. Revise this topic in sequence with the rest of the chapter so that chronological and thematic links are clear.

Important Facts

Gayatri Mantra: Rig Veda — dedicated to Savitri
Sabha & Samiti: Tribal assemblies of the Vedic period
Rathakara: Chariot-maker — a respected Vedic craftsman
Four Vedas: Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva

Key Points

Four Vedas — Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva
Gayatri Mantra — Rig Veda — dedicated to Savitri
Sabha & Samiti — Tribal assemblies of the Vedic period
Rathakara — Chariot-maker — a respected Vedic craftsman

Important Names

Max MullerPaniniSayana

Important Dates

c. 1000 BCE	Later Vedic period — iron and kingdoms
c. 600 BCE	Age of the Upanishads and Mahajanapadas
c. 1500 BCE	Arrival of Indo-Aryans (conventional dating)

Exam-Oriented Notes

»Rig Veda = ten mandalas, 1028 hymns; the Gayatri Mantra is in the third mandala. King was not the supreme authority in early Vedic polity.