THE LATER VEDIC AGE(1000 - 600 B.C.)

THE LATER VEDIC  PERIOD (1000 - 600 B.C.)

1-  The period assigned to later Vedic phase is 1000 B.c. to 600 B.C.

2- These communites used a particular kind of pottery called the Painted Grey Ware (PGW).

3-  More than sites have been found in the upper Ganga basin. Some imprtant PGW sites are Atranji khera, Ahichhatra, Hastinapur, Kurukshetra, Bhagwanpura  and Jakhera.

4-  Iron objects are common to most PGW sites. This metal was introduced around 1000 - 800 B.C. 

It is mentioned as Ayas.

5-  Society was clearly divided in four Varnas namely - Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudras.

6-  The upper classes were known as Dvij (twice born).

5-  Education begin with investiture ceremony (upanayana).

6-  Gotra first appeared in Atharvaveda with the meaning of clan.

7-  There was practice of class exogamy.

8-  There was reference to sati but not in common fashion.

9-  Indra and Agni lost their importance. Prajapati (the creator) became supreme.

10- Vishnu came to be conceived as the preserver and protector of the people.

11-  Pushan became God of Shudras.

12-  Sacrifices became more important and elaborate.

13-  There were 33 deities during later Vedic period.

14-  The king's influences was strengthened by rituals.

15-  Rajasuya conferred supreme power on king.

16-  Chariot racing was the main sport and gambling was the main pastime.

17-  Vajepeya was a drink of strength.

18-  Aswamedha was the horse sacrifice.

19-  Kings were known with different names in different region.

20-  Eastern Kings were called Samrat.

21-  Western kings were called Svarat.

22-  Northern kings were called Virat.

23- Kings of the middle country were called Raja.

24-  Parikshit has been called as the king of "Mrituloka in Atharvaveda".

25-  Atharvaveda mentions Sabha and Samiti as the daughers of Prajapati.

26-  Pushan was the God of Shudras.

27-  Rudra was the God of animals.

28-  Largest deposit of Iron weapon have been found at Atranjikhera.

29-  Satapatha Brahamana says that ' wife is half her husband '.

30-  Women enjoyed freedom and respect but their status deteriorated compared to the early vedic period.