The Vedic period (1500-600 BCE) saw significant shifts from the Rig
Vedic (1500-1000 BCE) pastoral society to the Later Vedic (1000-
600 BCE) agrarian-based economy, along with growing social strati
fication and complex rituals. These changes laid the foundation for
early Indian civilization.
Changes in Society from Rig Vedic to Later Vedic Period
| Aspect | Rig Vedic Period | Later Vedic Period |
| Social Stratification | Varna system was fluid with mini mal hierarchy. | Varna system became rigid, leading to a well-defined hierarchy with Brahmins and Kshatriyas at the top. |
| Position of Women | Women enjoyed higher status, par ticipated in religious life, education, and had rights in family matters. Eg Women like Gargi and Maitreyi par ticipated in debates | Status of women declined, with restrictions on religious roles, education, and increasing patri archal norms like child marriage. |
| Religious Practices | Simple rituals and prayers, focusing on natural elements and personal sacrifices. Eg- In the Rig Veda, the focus was on personal prayers and fire rituals | Complex rituals, including large-scale sacrifices like Ashvamedha and Rajasuya, with increas ing dominance of Brahmins in religious mat ters. |
| Social Mobility | Fluid movement between varnas and roles in society. Eg- Vishwam itra moved from a Kshatriya to a Brahmin role | Limited social mobility due to the rigidification of the caste system. |
| Governance | The kingship during this period was not absolute, as rulers were elect ed for a specific term by the local assembly known as the Samiti. | With urbanization, the need for stable lead ership grew, leading to the rise of absolute kingship as the dominant form of governance. |
| Cultural Role | Emphasis on oral traditions and recitation of hymns from the Rig Veda. | Development of Sanskrit literature and further expansion of religious texts like the Brahmanas and Upanishads. |
Changes in Economy from Rig Vedic to Later Vedic Period
| Aspect | Rig Vedic Period | Later Vedic Period |
| Primary Occupation | Pastoralism, with cattle (gavish ti) being the primary measure of wealth. | Transition to agriculture as the main economic activity, with the use of iron tools enhancing productivity. |
| Land Ownership | Communal land ownership, no clear concept of private property. | Emergence of private land ownership, with land grants to Brahmins and warriors. |
| Trade and Com merce | Limited trade, with a barter system based on cattle exchange. | Expansion of trade networks, use of coins like Nishka for transactions, and rise of specialized crafts. |
| Wealth Measure ment | Wealth measured in terms of cat tle and other livestock. | Wealth increasingly measured in terms of land ownership and agricultural output. |
| Urbanization | Mostly rural society with scattered tribal settlements. | Emergence of towns and market centers, leading to the early stages of urbanization. |
| Economic Exchange | Exchange of goods largely within the community or neighboring tribes. | Greater economic integration and trade across regions, linking settlements with urban mar kets. |
The legacy of vedic period is apparent in many aspects of Modern Indian society like caste system, mythology and religious practices.
