Best History Notes on Vedic Period available for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025

Best History Notes on Vedic Period available for BPSC and other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025

History-2

Detailed explanation of the Vedic Age, divided into Early Vedic and Later Vedic periods—essential for BPSC CCE preparation:

 Vedic Age (c. 1500 BCE – 600 BCE)

It marks the Aryan settlement in India and the composition of the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism.
This period is divided into:

• 🔹 Early Vedic Period (c. 1500–1000 BCE)
• 🔸 Later Vedic Period (c. 1000–600 BCE)

 1. Transition from Pastoral Life to Settled Agriculture

🔹 Early Vedic Period:

• Aryans were semi-nomadic pastoralists who migrated through the northwestern passes (likely Khyber Pass).
• Livelihood based on cattle rearing – cows symbolized wealth and status.
• They lived mainly in the Saptasindhu region (Land of Seven Rivers – Indus and its tributaries).
• No evidence of cities; society was rural and tribal.

Terms like “Gavishti” (search for cows) and “Gomat” (cow-rich) reflect pastoral values.

🔸 Later Vedic Period:

• Gradual shift to agriculture and settled village life, especially in the Gangetic plains.
• Use of iron tools (krishna ayas or shyama ayas) allowed clearing of forests.
• Crops like wheat, barley, and rice were grown.
• Agriculture became central to economy and religious rituals.

Transition shows growing complexity in society and economy.

 2. Early Vedic Period (Rigvedic Age)

🕉️ The Rigveda – Oldest Veda

• Composed around 1500–1000 BCE in Sanskrit.
• Collection of 1,028 hymns dedicated to various deities like:
  • Indra (war and rain)
  • Agni (fire god)
  • Varuna (cosmic order)
• Society was tribal and egalitarian (comparatively).
• Political units: Kula (family) → Grama (village) → Vis (clan) → Jana (tribe).
• Political leaders:
  • Rajan (tribal chief) – no standing army
  • Assisted by Purohit (priest) and Senani (military chief)

Social Features:

• Varna system just emerging – not rigid.
• Women had relative freedom – could attend sabha and samiti (assemblies).
• No temples or idols – worship through fire sacrifices (Yajnas).

Economy: Predominantly pastoral, with limited agriculture and no coinage.

 3. Later Vedic Period

The Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda

Composed between 1000–600 BCE, reflecting a more settled and complex society.

Samaveda

• Collection of melodic chants, derived mostly from Rigveda.
• Sung by Udgatar priests during Soma sacrifices.
• Basis of Indian classical music.

Yajurveda

• Contains ritual formulas to be recited during Yajnas (sacrifices).
• Divided into Shukla (White) and Krishna (Black) Yajurveda.
• Role of Adhvaryu priests emphasized.

Atharvaveda

• Contains spells, charms, and practical knowledge.
• Deals with folk traditions, healing, magic, and domestic rituals.
• Gives insight into popular beliefs and non-Aryan influences.

 Political and Social Changes