Map of the Vedic Age in South Asia, c. 1500–500 BCE
The Vedic Age (c. 1500–500 BCE) was a formative period in the history of South Asia, named after the Vedas, a collection of sacred hymns and ritual texts composed in Vedic Sanskrit and transmitted orally. During the second millennium BCE, Indo-Aryan-speaking groups migrated into northwestern South Asia, interacting with existing populations and contributing to the development of Vedic traditions. Early Vedic society was organized around pastoral and agricultural communities, kinship groups, and chiefs (rajas), with religious rituals playing a central role in social and political life.
From c. 1000 BCE, expanding agriculture, iron technology, and the eastward spread of Vedic traditions accompanied growing social stratification, including the development of the varna system. Larger territorial states gradually emerged across the Ganges basin, culminating in the Mahajanapadas ("Great Realms") by the 6th century BCE. Their rise marked a transition toward urbanization, more complex political institutions, and new intellectual and religious movements, including Buddhism and Jainism.
Questions & Answers
When did the Indus Valley Civilization flourish?
- The Indus Valley Civilization flourished between c. 7000 and c. 600 BCE, although evidence of human activity in the region goes back much farther.
What are the two best-known cities of the Indus Valley Civilization?
- The two best-known cities of the Indus Valley Civilization are Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
When was the Indus Valley Civilization discovered?
- The Indus Valley Civilization was discovered in 1829.
Has the script of the Indus Valley Civilization been deciphered?
- No. The Indus Script (also known as Harappan Script) has not been deciphered. All that is known of the culture comes from the ruins of the cities and artifacts found there.
