The Rigvedic Period (1500 BCE – 1000 BCE) and the Later Vedic Period (1000 BCE – 600 BCE) were the two different phases of the same Vedic civilization in ancient India. These two periods have many differences and similarities in terms of political, social, economic, and religious aspects.
Major differences between the Rigvedic and Later Vedic periods
| Aspect | Rigvedic period | Later Vedic period |
|---|---|---|
| Political system | There was a tribal society. During this time, the tribal chief ruled the society. The word ‘state’ was not used in this period. | The power of the king increased. Number of provinces increased. Began to take the form of Mahajanapadas. The word ‘state’ was first used in this period. |
| Political Organizations | Organizations such as Sabha, Samiti, Gana, Bidhatha etc. advised the king. | Vidhata disappeared and the power of the Sabha and Samiti decreased. |
| Status of women | Women in society could participate in religious ceremonies. Could join organizations such as Sabha, Samiti, etc. Could Receive education. Could take part in composing the Vedas. | The power of women was reduced. Participation in Sabha, Samiti was prohibited. Restrictions were also imposed on participation in religious ceremonies. |
| Gods | The influence of gods such as Indra (250 verses), Agni (200 verses), Varuna, etc. was more. The importance of sacrifice was not very high during this period. | Gods like Indra, Agni, etc. were replaced by gods like Prajapati Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra etc. Importance of sacrifice increased. |
| Varnashrama | This was not a hereditary period. There were no restrictions on the caste system. There was a division into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras according to their occupation. In the Rigvedic saying “I am a poet, my father is a physician, my mother grinds grain” indicates that the caste system was not rigid during this period. | In later periods, with the increase in the power of the king, the power of the priests also increased. The caste system became hereditary from now on. In the 10th Mandala of the Rig Veda, the story of the birth of Brahmins from Brahma’s mouth, Kshatriyas from his arms, Vaishyas from his thighs and Shudras from his feet has mentioned. Restrictions were imposed on the mixing of different castes in society. During this period, the Shudras began to be considered untouchables. |
| Gotra | The form of the Gotra did not emerge during this period. | The Gotra system arose. Earlier, Gotra meant a herd or a place where the cattle were kept, but later it came to mean a lineage originating from a common ancestor. |
| Location | During this period, the Aryans established settlements in the Sapta Sindhu region. | At this time, they gradually moved eastwards to the Ganges valley and established settlements. |
| Economy | Pastoral economy centered on cattle rearing. | Agrarian economy increased. |
| Literature | Only the Rigveda, focuses on hymns praising gods. | Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda, and Brahmanas. |
| Technology | Use of copper tools and basic tools. | Introduction of iron tools and weapons. |
Similarities between the Rigvedic and Later Vedic periods
| Aspect | Similarities |
|---|---|
| Vedic Literature | Both periods are part of the Vedic age. Vedic text the Rigveda was followed. |
| Language | Sanskrit language was used for composing hymns. |
| Religious practices | Worship of gods. Yajnas (sacrifices). |
| Patriarchal Society | Both periods had a patriarchal society. Older male was the head of a family. |
| Cattle | Cattle were considered sacred and wealth in both periods. |
| Priests | Brahmins (priests) were the most important people in society. |
| Agriculture | Agriculture was primary occupation in both Vedic periods. |
| Daughter | Birth of a daughter was not given priority |