Later Vedic Age | Complete Ancient History Through Animation | By Aadesh Singh | StudyIQ IAS

Summary

The video script delves into the Later Vedic Age, exploring the Aryan culture's expansion from 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. It covers the division into Early and Later Vedic periods, focusing on the latter, which saw significant societal, political, and economic developments. The script discusses the transition from tribal assemblies to large kingdoms, the rise of the Brahmin class, and the evolution of social order. It also touches on religious practices, agricultural advancements, arts and crafts, and the beginning of urbanization, providing a comprehensive view of the era's transformation.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Late Vedic Age is divided into two parts: Early Vedic Age and Later Vedic Age, with significant cultural and societal developments.
• 🏛 The Aryans expanded from Punjab to the entire Western Uttar Pradesh, establishing a new tribe known as the Kurus, which later became known as the land of Kurukshetra.
• 🛕 The Late Vedic texts, based on the Rigveda, include the Yajurveda and Atharvaveda, which were compiled between 1000 BCE and 500 BCE, reflecting extensive exploration and settlement.
• 🏘️ During the Late Vedic period, people transitioned from semi-nomadic to settled life, with the establishment of capital cities like Hastinapur.
• 🛠 The use of iron tools became widespread, with the first instances of iron use in India appearing around 1500 BCE in Karnataka and Rajasthan.
• 👥 The society was divided into four main classes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, with the Brahmins gaining importance due to their role in rituals and sacrifices.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The patriarchal system developed, with the authority of the father becoming established, and women generally being considered inferior and subordinate.
• 🌾 Agriculture was the mainstay of the economy, with barley being the prominent crop, and the use of oxen for plowing becoming common.
• ⚔️ Political life saw the emergence of large kingdoms, with the term 'Rajya' being used for the first time, and the king's power and territory increasing significantly.
• 🔨 The craft industry was well-developed, with the use of copper tools and the emergence of specialized groups such as chariot makers, who held a special status in society.
• 🙏 The Late Vedic religion saw a shift from the prominence of Indra and Agni in the Early Vedic Age to the rise of other gods like Rudra and Vishnu, with a focus on the self and the individual soul.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lecture in the provided script?

The lecture primarily focuses on the Later Vedic Age, discussing the expansion of Aryan culture, the basic traits of society such as social, political, and economic features, and how this period can be viewed as a transition stage in Indian society.

What are the two main periods into which the Vedic Age is divided according to the script?

The Vedic Age is divided into two main periods: the Early Vedic Age and the Later Vedic Age.

What is the significance of the term 'Aryan culture' in the context of the script?

In the script, 'Aryan culture' refers to the cultural expansion that took place during the Vedic Age, particularly highlighting the spread of Aryans from the Punjab region to across the Indo-Gangetic plain.

What evidence does the script provide regarding the Aryans' geographical expansion?

The script mentions that around 700 Painted Grey Ware (PGW) sites were found, indicating the Aryans' expansion from the Punjab region to the western parts of the UP, the Ganga-Yamuna Doab, and even to the eastern UP and Bihar.

What is the significance of the term 'Kurukshetra' mentioned in the script?

Kurukshetra, also known as the land of the Kurus, was an area where a new tribe, the Kurus, formed after merging with the Pauravas. This region is significant as it was where the capital Hastinapur was announced, located in present-day Meerut district.

What type of houses were common during the Later Vedic Age according to the script?

During the Later Vedic Age, most houses were made of mud (mud houses), as the people did not have information about brick construction.

What were the main crops of the Later Vedic Age as per the script?

The main crops of the Later Vedic Age were barley and wheat, with rice and sesame also being cultivated.

What is the role of the Brahmin caste in the Later Vedic Age as depicted in the script?

In the Later Vedic Age, the Brahmin caste's importance increased due to their role in performing sacrifices, which were considered crucial rituals in society.

How did the script describe the political life in the Later Vedic Age?

The script describes the political life as the emergence of large kingdoms with the amalgamation of tribes, the rise of royal power, and the use of rituals like the Ashvamedha to demonstrate the king's supreme power and control over territory.

What were the significant changes in the religious practices of the Later Vedic Age as per the script?

The script mentions a decrease in the importance of the gods Indra and Agni, with the rise of Prajapati as the supreme deity. It also discusses the increasing importance of sacrifices, with the Brahmin caste maintaining a monopoly over significant rituals.

How did the script describe the social structure of the Later Vedic Age?

The script describes a society divided into four main varnas (castes) with distinct roles and social mobility. It also mentions the emergence of social disabilities for the Shudra caste and the development of patriarchal systems within families.

What were the economic activities of the Later Vedic Age according to the script?

The script mentions agriculture as the main economic activity, with the use of primitive methods and tools. It also discusses the presence of craftsmen such as blacksmiths and weavers, and the practice of barter as a form of exchange.