The Later Vedic Age, also known as the Iron Age, was a period of Indian history that lasted

from around
1000 BCE to 600 BCE. During this time, the Vedic civilization underwent significant changes in terms of
social, political, and economic structures.

One of the most notable features of the Later Vedic Age was the emergence of new social classes. The
Brahmins, who were the priestly class during the Early Vedic Age, were joined by the Kshatriyas (warrior
class), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers).

This stratification of society was based on occupation and birth, and it became an integral part of Indian
society for centuries to come.

The Later Vedic Age also saw the rise of powerful kingdoms, such as the Kuru and Panchala kingdoms in
northern India.

These kingdoms were ruled by powerful kings who were often engaged in wars with each other for
territorial expansion. The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of Indian literature, is set in this period
and describes the struggles between various kingdoms.

Another significant development during the Later Vedic Age was the evolution of Hinduism.

The Vedic religion underwent several changes during this period and gave rise to new religious
practices and beliefs. The Upanishads, philosophical texts that explored the nature of reality and
existence, were composed during this time.

The Later Vedic Age also witnessed significant advancements in technology and agriculture. Iron tools
and weapons became widespread, leading to increased agricultural productivity and the growth of urban
settlements.

In conclusion, the Later Vedic Age was a period of significant change in Indian history. It witnessed the
emergence of new social classes, powerful kingdoms, and religious practices that would shape Indian
society for centuries to come.

The Later Vedic Age saw the emergence of a more complex political structure than the Early Vedic Age.

The society was divided into various kingdoms, each ruled by a king who was assisted by a council of
ministers and advisors.

The king was responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting the kingdom from external threats,
and collecting taxes.

The king's power was not absolute, and he had to consult with his council of ministers before making
any major decisions. The council of ministers was composed of various officials, including the chief
minister, treasurer, and commander-in-chief.

The Later Vedic Age also saw the emergence of a system of alliances and treaties between kingdoms.
These alliances were formed to counter external threats or to expand territories through joint military
campaigns.

The system of governance was largely decentralized, with each kingdom having its own administrative
system.

The village assemblies, known as sabhas and samitis, played an important role in local governance and
decision-making.

Overall, the Later Vedic polity was characterized by a complex system of governance that was based on
alliances, treaties, and decentralized administration.

The role of the king was crucial in maintaining law and order and protecting the kingdom from external
threats.
Later Vedic Period or Painted Grey Ware Phase (1000 BC – 600 BC)

During this time, the Aryans moved eastwards and occupied western
and eastern UP (Kosala) and Bihar.

Political structure:
 Kingdoms like Mahaj anapadas were f ormed by amalgamating
smaller kingdoms.

 King’ s power increased and various sacrif ices were perf ormed by
him to enhance his position.

 Sacrif ices were Raj asuya (consecration ceremony), Vaj apeya

(chariot race) and Ashwamedha (horse sacrif ice).

 The Sabhas and Samitis diminished in importance.

Social structure:

 The Varna system of social distinction became more distinct. This

became less based on occupation and more hereditary.

 The f our divisions of society in decreasing social ranking were:

Brahmanas (priests), Kshatriyas (rulers), Vaishyas (agriculturists, traders
and artisans), and Shudras (servers of the upper three classes).

 Women were not permitted to attend public assemblies like Sabhas

and Samitis. Their position in society lowered.

 Child marriages became common.

 Sub- castes based on occupation also emerged. Gotras were

institutionalised.

Economic structure:

 Agriculture was the chief occupation.

 Industrial work like metal work, pottery and carpentry work also was
there.

 There was f oreign trade also with Babylon.

Religion:
 Praj apati (creator) and Vishnu (preserver) became important gods.

 Indra and Agni lost their signif icance.

 Importance of prayers diminished and rituals and sacrif ices became

more elaborate.

 The priestly class became very powerf ul and they dictated the rules of
the rites and rituals.
Because of this orthodoxy, Buddhism and Jainism emerged towards the
end of this period.