•   The Sama Veda Samhita, the Yajurveda Samhita, the Atharvaveda Samhita, Brahmanas, and Upanishads of all four Vedas, and eventually the two great narratives Ramayana and the Mahabharata—were written during LATER VEDIC period.

•   And this period stretches its primary dependency based on Vedic texts compiled after the Veda.

Caste System

•   The caste system was the main characteristic of the Later Vedic Age.

•   These four major works resulted in the formation of four major castes over time.

•   The priestly caste known as the Brahmana was made up of those who fulfilled religious responsibilities. The warrior class known as the Kshatriya was made up of those who fought in conflicts. The Vaisya were those who pursued agriculture, trade, or other constructive endeavours. Finally, individuals who provided social and menial services were referred to as Sudras, the lowest caste.

•   Women lost their prior prestige during the later Vedic period.

•   Polygamy, or a man marrying multiple wives, became a social vice. Because of their affluence, the upper castes used this system.

•   There was also a case of child marriage. The dowry system was in use. Women’s property rights were increasingly eroded.

Explained elsewhere.

Explained elsewhere.

Explained elsewhere.