The Vedic Period emerged from the Aryans conquest during 1^st century BC in the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent. 

Vedic Age relates to the period when the oldest written literature known to humankind – Vedas, was composed during this period. The Vedic age laid the foundation of Hinduism, as the great Indian epics - Ramayana, Mahabharata, Upanishads and Hymns were written in Sanskrit language. Welcome on a voyage to India! 

Emergence of Vedic Age

The Aryans were an Indo-Europeans nomadic tribes hailing from the Euro-Asian plains, and inhabiting the land areas including Afghanistan, Punjab, Pakistan and western Uttar Pradesh. The Vedic age; extending from 1500BC - 600BC flourished during the existence of Aryan civilization and gained momentum globally.

The oldest living literature available to man today was written during this period and passed down several generations and centuries. The Vedas was categorized into four groups - Rig Veda, Yajurveda, Samveda and Atharvaveda.

The mantra (original text) and Brahmana (commentary portion) are part of every Veda. Meanwhile, Vedangas are supportive texts of the Vedas.

The Brahmana, further segregated into Upanishads and Rituals. The former discusses the philosophical outlook towards life, while the later explains a particular method, in which every ritual must be performed.

Historians have classified the Vedic period under two branches - Early Vedic Period and Later Vedic Period.

Early Vedic Period                                         

The Aryan civilization during this period excelled in agriculture and domesticated animals for farm use. Gradually, they settled as farmers. A tribal chief with his team of wise man led each Aryan tribe. Even though they did not dominate the tribe and worked in tandem with public, yet the tribal chief, warriors and priests guided the people in social and religious events.

Nature and its elements were worshiped as God, and religious hymns, mantras and prayers were offered to them. Rituals were an essential part of their daily chores and animal sacrifice was common.

Later Vedic Period

During this period the great epics - Ramayana, Mahabharata and Upanishads were written. These epics explained the meaning of life and defined the purpose of our existence. Ramayana and Mahabharata dealt with numerous political, social and religious views of Hindu culture during this time. Meanwhile, an extract from the Mahabharata, Bhagwad Gita described Hinduism in its true essence.

Social and Political Emergence

Hereditary leadership emerged during this period; the sons of tribal chiefs' took the throne after their fathers. With dominance crawling in the society, the heads of religious tribes emerged as powerful Brahmin priests giving way to the caste system.

Based on the caste system, the society, divided into four main sections – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Depending on kind of work they performed, people were classified into these castes. Hence, people who performed the religious activities and educated the people were referred as Brahmins or the priestly class. The warriors were responsible for the safety of the society and were called Kshatriyas. People who adopted the role of businessmen and merchants were termed Vaishyas, and people who performed menial work were Shudras; they were treated as outcasts and lived at the outskirts of a village or city.  

Religion, Philosophy & Education

Hinduism as a religion flourished during this period. Vedic period understood the amalgamation of mind and matter, and significantly contributed to the Indian philosophy and literature. The discovery of Zero and other mathematical theorems in addition to Ayurveda and Yoga were the gifts of the Vedic Period.