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Ramayana
and Mahabharat form a part
of later Vedic civilization. Scattered passages in the Samaveda,
Yajurveda and Atharvaveda Samhita give us an idea of the political
and social condition in this period. Aryans seem to have moved
on to the East and Kurukshetra - which is known to all with
the Mahabharata- became the scene of their activities. With
the passage of time, old customs gradually abolished and new
states emerged. Kuru-Panchalas were the most prominent, that
reached the height of glory and prosperity under Parikshit and
Janamejaya.In these times, Kosala, Kasi and Videha were referred
to as the seats of Vedic culture. Strangely, Magadha, which
in the Times of Chandrgupta Maurya later became the center of
the whole of Northern Bharat, was regarded to be beyond the
pale of Aryan civilization. Though absolute kingship was the
only prevalent form of governance, certain democratic elements
are also found. However it is interesting to study how the ideas
of imperialism began to develop in this period. As regards the
social condition, caste system forms the main feature. It developed
fully. Different occupations were taken over by different castes.
The system was quite flexible in the Vedic period while in the
later Vedic period, caste taboos crept in.
In
the epic age, which is an integral part of the later Vedic civilization,
in addition to the four castes many other castes emerged. That
was partly due to intercaste marriages. The institution of marriage
lost its sanctity. Polygamy and polyandry both were practiced.
The condition of women began to worsen.The sixteen Samskaras
mentioned in the Hindu tradition arose in this period. We also
have references for the system of education in those days. When
a student was taken to a teacher for rendering education, the
Upanayana Samskara was performed. As a result of this Samskara
the Brahmachari pupil became Dvija or twice born. Schools were
run by individuals as well as there were Charakas or wandering
teachers. The religious conditions became tighter. The number
of sacrifices multiplied. A lot of emphasis was put on symbolism.
In the Brahmanas "the sacrifice is conceived as constantly
recurring in order to maintain the universe. Symbolism was originally
suggested in the Purusha Sukta of Rigveda, stating the creation
of the universe from Virat Purusha. The age of Sutras, Dharmashastras
and Epics also form a part of the Later Vedic civilization.
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