Religious Trends in Later Vedic Period: Continuity and Change

The Later Vedic Period (c. 1000-500 BCE) marked a transformative phase in the ancient Indian religious landscape, characterized by the emergence of new religious trends alongside the continuation of earlier practices. This era witnessed significant shifts in theological concepts, ritual practices, and societal structures, reflecting a dynamic period of religious evolution.

Key Characteristics in Later Vedic Period

• Epicentre: During the Later Vedic period, the upper Ganga Doab was the centre of Aryan culture. This region is described as the land of Kuru-Panchalas. 
• Idol Worship: Signs of the emergence of idolatry can be observed.
• RigVedic God Emergence: Changes in material life brought about a shift in the reverence towards gods and goddesses. 
• Sacrifice: The increased importance of animal sacrifices shadowed the importance of prayers in placating Gods.
• Complex Rituals: The correct performance of rituals was stressed. 
  • Stress was laid on paying Dakshina.
  • The rituals became more complex, required more resources, and took longer time.
  • The resort to rituals and sacrifices as a solution for problems led to the view that material wealth could achieve anything.

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• Each varna had its own deities, reflecting the societal divisions of the time. 
  • Pushan (supposed to look after cattle) was the God of the Shudras.
• Gift for Performing Rituals: Cows, gold, cloth and horses were given as sacrificial gifts. 
  • Sometimes, the priests claimed portions of territory as Dakshina, but the grant of land as a sacrificial gift was not well established.
• Agricultural produce began to be offered in the rituals. 
  • The items of Dana and Dakshina included cooked rice (wheat was rarely used).
  • Til, from which the first widely used vegetable food oil was derived, came to be used in rituals.
• Each varna had its own deities, reflecting the societal divisions of the time. 
  • Pushan (supposed to look after cattle) was the God of the Shudras.
• Resistance: Towards the end of the Later Vedic age, resistance emerged against priestly dominance, cults, and sacrificial practices, particularly in regions like Panchala and Videha.

Education in Later Vedic Period

• New Discipline: The disciplines of philosophy, literature and science developed in this period.
  • Various branches of learning such as literature, grammar, mathematics, ethics and astronomy developed. 
• Vedic System of Education: The development of Vedic texts and the importance given to pronunciation, grammar and oral transmission suggest training in utterances and memorisation as part of the Vedic system of education.
• Upanishads were composed during this period. 
  • They were also referred to as Vedanta since they were attached as the last part of the Vedic texts.
• Gender Discrimination: Education was limited to males. 
• The teacher-pupil relationship was cultivated through person-oriented training. 

Exploring Music, Art, and Craft in Ancient Texts

• Music instruments such as lute, flute and drum are referred to in the texts.
• Use of silk and ornaments of metal, gold and copper is found. Fabrication of glass beads and metal mirrors can also be seen.

Conclusion

• The Later Vedic Period showcased a dynamic interplay of continuity and innovation in Religious Trends thought and practice. 
  • It laid the groundwork for the evolution of classical Hinduism, setting the stage for the synthesis of diverse religious elements and the emergence of philosophical schools that would profoundly shape the spiritual landscape of India for centuries to come.

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