Later Vedic Culture (1000-600 BCE) is categorized based on the Geographical, social, economic, and political changes that took place after the early Vedic age.
Geography
The Shatpatha Brahmanya of the Yajurveda gives information about the gradual expansion of Aryans to Southeast Uttar Pradesh in the Ganga-Yamuna doab including Kosala and Videha. Geographical division-Aryavarta, Madhyadesh, Dakshinpath
Polity
The term ‘Rashtra’ first appeared in this period. The New Kingdom and Hereditary Kingship emerged. During this period the ‘Janas’ was slowly turning to ‘Janapads’. To prove Legitimacy different yagna such as Aswamedha, Rajasuya, and Vajapaya were performed. Taxes were made mandatory. Small clan becoming powerful. The Emergence of the new kingdom such as Videha-king Janak, Kosala-Ruled by Ikshvaku Clan (Vansh), Magadh, Anga, Vidhrbha. Atharvaveda mentions the king Parikshit who belonged to kuru (Puru+Bharata).
Economy
During this period cattle lost its importance and agriculture became the chief occupation. This phase was the beginning of using Krishna ayas (iron). They practiced mixed farming and cultivation was done by plough, Tin, Lead, Silver, gold, bronze, and copper were also known. Painted grey ware, Red and Black Ware, and Red Ware pottery were used during this period.
Society
The Gotra system evolved. The emergence of the Varna system can be traced to Purusha sukta and the role of the Varna system in Aitreya Brahmana. There used to be a Vratsyatoma ceremony to include non-Aryans into Aryans—significant decline in the political status of Women. Education was restricted to upper varnas. At times daughters were considered a source of misery, in some prayers daughters were not likened whereas in Brihadaryanak Upanishad there was a ritual mentioned for obtaining a learned daughter. Gargi and Maitreya participated in philosophical debates.
Religion
The most important early Vedic gods Indra and Agni lost their importance and Prajapati became superior, Vishnu and Rudra also became prominent.
Important Literature:
The Sama Veda is a collection of 1080 Hymns in a poetic form that also contains Dhrupad raga.
The Yajur Veda talks about the procedure for the performance of Sacrifices.
The Atharvaveda talks about knowledge of magic spells diseases and medicine.
Brahmanas describes the rules for sacrificial ceremonies.
Aranyakas also known as forest books are related to mysticism and philosophy.
Upanishads emphasize ‘knowledge of self’ and the relation between ‘Atman and Brahman’ should be understood.
National Motto of India-Satyamev Jayate, Mandaka Upanishad
Yajnvalkya and Gargi conversation- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Four Ashrams-Jabala Upanishad
Story of Yam and Nachiketa-kathopanishad
Story of Wise Beggar-Chadogya Upanishad
References
A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India, Upinder Singh
Ancient and Medieval India, Poonam Dalal Dahiya
Higher Secondary First year, Tamil Nadu Board
Prateek Nayak Notes