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The Later Vedic Period began around 1000 BCE with the composition of the Sama, Yajur, and Atharva Vedas. This era saw the transition from semi-nomadic life to settled agriculture and the establishment of large kingdoms.
Around 900 BCE, Aryan settlements expanded from the Sapta Sindhu region to the Ganga-Yamuna Doab, leading to the development of new agricultural practices and the establishment of more complex social structures.
The Brahmanas, prose texts that explain the hymns of the Vedas and elaborate on rituals and sacrifices, were composed around 800 BCE. These texts provide insights into the religious and social life of the Later Vedic people.
By 700 BCE, the Varna system, a hierarchical social structure dividing society into four main groups (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras), became more defined and institutionalized in Later Vedic society.
During the later Vedic period, there was a gradual emergence of urban centers in ancient India. These urban settlements served as hubs for trade, administration, and cultural exchange, marking a shift towards more complex social and economic structures.
The later Vedic period witnessed significant advancements in metallurgy, particularly the development and widespread use of iron technology. This technological innovation revolutionized agriculture, warfare, and trade, contributing to the transformation of ancient Indian society.
The Upanishads, a collection of philosophical texts, were composed during the later Vedic period. These texts explore profound concepts related to the nature of reality, self-realization, and the ultimate truth (Brahman).
The sixteen Maha Janapadas (Great Kingdoms) were formed during this period. These large and powerful kingdoms played a crucial role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of ancient India.
Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara and the founder of Jainism, was born in 599 BCE. His teachings emphasized non-violence, truth, and asceticism, laying the foundation for Jain philosophy.
Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha, was born in 563 BCE. His teachings, focusing on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, gave rise to Buddhism, a major world religion.
The rise of the Magadha Empire under the Haryanka dynasty, with its capital at Rajagriha, signified a shift in the political landscape of ancient India. Magadha's strategic location and strong administrative system contributed to its dominance in the region.