The Vedic Period

2026-01-10

The Vedic Period (c. 1500 – c. 500 BCE) marks the transition from the Indus Valley Civilisation to the rise of urban centers in the Ganges Plain. It is defined by the composition of the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism, and the crystallization of the caste system (Varna).

Social Structure

The society evolved from semi-nomadic pastoralists to settled agriculturalists. The fourfold Varna system emerged:

  • Brahmins: Priests and scholars
  • Kshatriyas: Warriors and rulers
  • Vaishyas: Traders and agriculturists
  • Shudras: Laborers and service providers

Governance

Early Vedic society was tribal (Jana), led by a chieftain (Rajan). By the Later Vedic period, these evolved into territorial states (Janapadas) with more absolute monarchies.

Timeline

  • c. 1500-1000 BCE: Early Vedic Period (Composition of Rig Veda).
  • c. 1200 BCE: Expansion into the Gangetic Plain; Use of Iron.
  • c. 1000-600 BCE: Later Vedic Period (Sama, Yajur, Atharva Vedas composed).
  • c. 800 BCE: Composition of Brahmanas and early Upanishads.
  • c. 600 BCE: Emergence of Mahajanapadas (Great Kingdoms).