The Vedic period : Summary of Vedic age | Important points to revise just before exams in easy words and quick retention

The vedic period : Important bullent points for quick revision before exams

Vedic age can be classified into the following

Early Vedic Period (1500-1000 BC), also known as Rig Vedic Period.
Later Vedic Period (1000- 600 BC)

The term Veda means “superior knowledge” in Sanskrit. The 4 major vedas are 

• Rigveda
• Samaveda
• Yajurveda
• Atharvaveda

Besides these Vedas, there were Brahmanas, Upnishads, Aryankas, and epics- Ramayana and Mahabharata.

• Brahmmanas
• Upanishads
• Aryankas
• Mahabharat
• Ramayan

RIGVEDA

• Oldest text known to mankind (around 1700 BC).
• It was collection of hymns.
• It deals with secrets and explanation about origin of earth, greatness of god and how to live fruitful life.
• Rig Vedic Aryans worshiped natural forces like earth, fire, wind, rain and thunder by personifying them into many gods.
• Lord Indra was the supreme God as mentioned in rigveda.
• Chief was the protector of the tribe or Jana.
• Experts were called HOTRI/HOTRA
• AVESTA – oldest text in Iranian language has similarity with Rig-Veda text. 

Social Aspects of Rigvedic period

• Women had respectable position in the society
• Sati pratha, Child marriage exsits
• Poligamy, monogamy evident in society
• Evidence of idol worship and temple visit was found

Later vadic age (1000 BC - 600 BC) show trend and popularity in agricultural activity as principal economic activity and cattle rearing became second major activity. Land became important to people and gaining control over it subsequently led to establishment of kingdom in later days.

• Indra and Agni lost their importance.
• The Varna system became prevalent- four divisions of society :Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras.
• Caste system based on occupation emerged.

SAMAVEDA

• Second most important Veda.
• Hymns of Rig-Veda are compiled and set into tune.
• Origin of Indian music.
• Very particular the pronunciation of hymns.
• Experts were known as UDGATAR/UDGATRI

YAJURVEDA

• Sacrificial formulae and prayers.
• Experts were known as ADHVARYU.
• It has 1875 verses.

ATHAVAVEDA

• It deals with death, spirit and afterlife.
• Contains 730 hymns and 6000 mantras devided in 20 books.
• It contains magical formulae and spells.
• Ayurveda has origin in Atharvaveda.

UPVEDA

• Ayurveda
• Dhanurveda
• Gandharvveda
• Shilpveda