Early Vedic and Later Vedic Period
CBSE Study Material Based on NCERT
Course: CBSE Class 6 – General Knowledge
Unit 2: Indian History & Heritage
Lesson: Early Vedic and Later Vedic Period
Study Module
Introduction
The Vedic Period marks an important phase in ancient Indian history. It is known from the sacred texts called the Vedas. This period is divided into the Early Vedic Period and the Later Vedic Period based on changes in society, economy, religion, and political organisation. The Vedic Age laid the foundation of Indian culture and social structure in India.
The Vedic Period
- The Vedic Period is named after the Vedas, the oldest religious texts of India
- The people of this period are called Aryans
- The period is divided into:
- Early Vedic Period (Rig Vedic Age)
- Later Vedic Period
Early Vedic Period (Rig Vedic Age)
Time Period
- Around 1500 BCE to 1000 BCE
Life and Society
- People lived in small tribes called janas
- Society was simple and mostly pastoral
- Family was the basic unit of society
Economy
- Cattle rearing was the main occupation
- Agriculture was limited
- Trade was mainly through barter
Religion
- People worshipped forces of nature
- Important gods included Indra, Agni, and Varuna
- Yajnas (sacrifices) were performed
Political Organisation
- The head of the tribe was called raja
- Sabha and Samiti were important assemblies
Later Vedic Period
Time Period
- Around 1000 BCE to 600 BCE
Life and Society
- Society became more complex
- Varna system became rigid
- Position of women declined
Economy
- Agriculture became the main occupation
- Use of iron tools increased production
- Trade expanded
Religion
- Importance of rituals and sacrifices increased
- Role of priests (Brahmins) became important
- New ideas later led to Upanishads
Political Organisation
- Powerful kingdoms replaced tribes
- Kings became more powerful
- Assemblies lost importance
Differences Between Early and Later Vedic Period
| Early Vedic Period | Later Vedic Period |
|---|---|
| Pastoral economy | Agricultural economy |
| Simple society | Complex social structure |
| Nature worship | Ritual-based worship |
| Tribal system | Monarchical system |
Importance of the Vedic Period
- Foundation of Indian culture
- Development of social and religious ideas
- Growth of political institutions
Conclusion
The Early and Later Vedic Periods show the gradual transformation of Indian society from simple tribal communities to organised kingdoms. These changes influenced Indian civilisation for centuries.
Questions and Answers
Short Answer Questions (10)
1. What is the Vedic Period?
The Vedic Period is the early historical period known from the Vedas.
2. Who were the Aryans?
The Aryans were people who composed the Vedas.
3. Which is the earliest Veda?
The Rigveda is the earliest Veda.
4. What was the main occupation during the Early Vedic Period?
Cattle rearing was the main occupation.
5. What were jan as?
Janas were tribal groups of the Early Vedic Period.
6. Name one important Early Vedic god.
Indra.
7. What became the main occupation in the Later Vedic Period?
Agriculture became the main occupation.
8. What is the varna system?
It is a social division based on occupation.
9. Who was the raja?
The raja was the head of the tribe or kingdom.
10. Why is the Vedic Period important?
It laid the foundation of Indian culture and society.
Long Answer Questions (10)
11. Describe the life of people in the Early Vedic Period.
The life of Early Vedic people was simple.
- They lived in tribes called janas
- Cattle rearing was important
- Families were closely bonded
12. Explain the economic activities of the Early Vedic Period.
The economy was mainly pastoral.
- Cattle were a measure of wealth
- Limited agriculture
- Barter system was used
13. Describe the religious beliefs of the Early Vedic Period.
Religion was nature-based.
- Worship of Indra, Agni, and Varuna
- Simple yajnas were performed
- No temples existed
14. What changes occurred in society during the Later Vedic Period?
Society became more complex.
- Varna system became rigid
- Decline in women’s status
- Growth of social inequality
15. Explain the economic changes in the Later Vedic Period.
The economy shifted towards agriculture.
- Use of iron tools
- Expansion of farming
- Growth of trade
16. Describe political changes in the Later Vedic Period.
Political organisation strengthened.
- Rise of powerful kings
- Decline of assemblies
- Formation of kingdoms
17. How did religion change during the Later Vedic Period?
Religion became ritualistic.
- Importance of sacrifices
- Greater role of priests
- Emergence of philosophical ideas
18. Differentiate between Early and Later Vedic Periods.
The two periods differed greatly.
- Pastoral vs agricultural economy
- Simple vs complex society
- Tribal vs monarchical system
19. What role did assemblies play in the Early Vedic Period?
Assemblies helped in governance.
- Sabha and Samiti advised the raja
- People participated in decisions
- They reflected early democracy
20. Why is the Vedic Period considered important in Indian history?
It shaped Indian civilisation.
- Cultural traditions developed
- Social and religious ideas evolved
- Political institutions emerged
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
MCQs with Answers and Detailed Explanations (20)
1. The Vedic Period is named after the:
a) Epics
b) Vedas
c) Puranas
d) Smritis
Answer: b) Vedas
Explanation: The period is known from the Vedas.
2. Which is the earliest Veda?
a) Samaveda
b) Yajurveda
c) Atharvaveda
d) Rigveda
Answer: d) Rigveda
Explanation: Rigveda is the oldest Veda.
3. The Early Vedic Period is also called:
a) Later Vedic Age
b) Rig Vedic Age
c) Iron Age
d) Bronze Age
Answer: b) Rig Vedic Age
Explanation: It is known from the Rigveda.
4. What was the main occupation in the Early Vedic Period?
a) Trade
b) Agriculture
c) Cattle rearing
d) Craft making
Answer: c) Cattle rearing
Explanation: Early Vedic economy was pastoral.
5. Who was the head of the tribe?
a) Senapati
b) Purohit
c) Raja
d) Gramini
Answer: c) Raja
Explanation: The raja led the tribe.
6. Which god was most important in the Early Vedic Period?
a) Vishnu
b) Indra
c) Shiva
d) Brahma
Answer: b) Indra
Explanation: Indra was the chief god.
7. What were Sabha and Samiti?
a) Religious books
b) Courts
c) Assemblies
d) Markets
Answer: c) Assemblies
Explanation: They were political assemblies.
8. What became the main occupation in the Later Vedic Period?
a) Hunting
b) Fishing
c) Agriculture
d) Trade
Answer: c) Agriculture
Explanation: Farming became dominant.
9. Which metal became widely used in the Later Vedic Period?
a) Copper
b) Bronze
c) Iron
d) Gold
Answer: c) Iron
Explanation: Iron tools improved agriculture.
10. The varna system became rigid during the:
a) Early Vedic Period
b) Later Vedic Period
c) Paleolithic Age
d) Harappan Period
Answer: b) Later Vedic Period
Explanation: Social divisions hardened later.
11. What happened to women’s position in the Later Vedic Period?
a) Improved
b) Remained same
c) Declined
d) Dominated
Answer: c) Declined
Explanation: Women lost social freedom.
12. Which assemblies lost importance later?
a) Sabha and Samiti
b) Vidatha and Gana
c) Councils
d) Courts
Answer: a) Sabha and Samiti
Explanation: Kings became powerful.
13. Which system replaced tribal organisation?
a) Republic
b) Empire
c) Monarchy
d) Democracy
Answer: c) Monarchy
Explanation: Kingdoms replaced tribes.
14. Which Vedic text contains hymns?
a) Rigveda
b) Samaveda
c) Yajurveda
d) Atharvaveda
Answer: a) Rigveda
Explanation: Rigveda consists of hymns.
15. Who performed religious rituals?
a) Kings
b) Warriors
c) Traders
d) Priests
Answer: d) Priests
Explanation: Brahmins conducted rituals.
16. Which economy type existed in the Early Vedic Period?
a) Industrial
b) Pastoral
c) Agricultural
d) Commercial
Answer: b) Pastoral
Explanation: Cattle rearing dominated.
17. Which factor led to larger kingdoms?
a) Nomadic life
b) Agriculture
c) Cave living
d) Hunting
Answer: b) Agriculture
Explanation: Surplus food supported kingdoms.
18. Which age followed the Later Vedic Period?
a) Mauryan Age
b) Mahajanapada Age
c) Gupta Age
d) Mughal Age
Answer: b) Mahajanapada Age
Explanation: Large kingdoms emerged later.
19. What does the word ‘Veda’ mean?
a) Song
b) Knowledge
c) Sacrifice
d) Law
Answer: b) Knowledge
Explanation: Veda means knowledge.
20. Why is the Vedic Period important?
a) It describes modern India
b) It introduced writing
c) It shaped early Indian society
d) It ended civilisation
Answer: c) It shaped early Indian society
Explanation: It laid cultural foundations.
This study material is strictly aligned with the NCERT syllabus and fully suitable for CBSE Class 6 examination standards.