The Vedic Age: 1500 BC to 500 BC

This chapter demonstrates the significance of the Vedic Ages (Early, Middle and Late) in laying the foundation of religion, culture and language in the Indian sub-continent. In particular, it explores the genesis and spread of the Aryan people and Vedic religion. The Vedic Age begins with the migration of the Indo-European Aryan people in 1500 BC into the Indian sub-continent and overlaps with the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation (explored in detail in Chap. 2 ). Theories about the Vedic culture’s origination in Central Asia and Russia from the Sintashta culture (2200 BC to 1800 BC), Oxus Civilisation (2250 BC to 1700 BC) and the Andronovo culture (2000 BC to 900 BC) are explored. The comparisons allow for an exploration of aspects (technological and military advancements) that enabled the subjugation of the indigenous people; it also provides insights into the early development of language (Sanskrit), religion (Hinduism) and social order (the caste system) adopted in the sub-continent. The oldest Hindi text, the Rig Veda, provides insight into the foundational beliefs and rituals of the Vedic Civilisation such as the caste system which included four hierarchical stratifications; these were the Brahmans (priestly class), the Kshatriyas (warrior class), Vaishyas (business class) and the lowest Sudras (surf class) and likely separated the lighter skinned Indo-European Aryan people from the darker skinned indigenous Dravidian people. A majority of the Vedic religious text (Mantras, the Samhitas and the Brahmanas) was written during the Middle Vedic Age. The Late Vedic Age marks the establishment of the first Aryan Civilisation and subsequent Aryan kingdoms that spread the Vedic religion in the region. These include the Kuru Kingdom (1000 BC), the Panchala Kingdom (1100 BC to 400 AD) and the Videha Kingdom (600 BC to 300 BC). The Vedic Age ended with the arrival of Buddhism in the sub-continent in 500 BC. The writings of the Vedas are compared and contrasted with other historical artefacts and writings to gain a deeper understanding of the socio-political, economic and religious landscape of the Vedic Age (discussed in more detail in Chap. 4 ).