literature and science developed in this period. Various branches of learning such as literature, grammar, mathematics, ethics and astronomy developed. Education was limited to males. The development of Vedic texts and the importance given to pronunciation, grammar and oral transmission suggest training in utterances and memorization, as part of the Vedic system of education.
The development of various types of texts could be considered as developing solutions for certain mundane issues and a quest for knowledge. Araynakas are concerned with priests who were in the forests. Upanishads (which means to sit nearby) texts with philosophical enquiries, were composed during this period. They were also referred to as Vedanta , since they were attached as the last part of the Vedic texts.
Satyameva Jayate is from Mudaka Upanishad. They lay stress on knowledge and the realization of the self or atman and Brahman (the Supreme Being), meditation, cycle of birth and death. They convey the ideas of karma, and good conduct, self-restraint, mercy and generosity as virtues. Despite the ritual dominated aspects of Vedic life, some seers were in pursuit of knowledge and virtuous conduct.
Dara Shukoh, the Mughal prince, translated the Upanishads into Persian in , much before the colonial scholars developed any interest in ancient Indian literature. Other aspects of Life The Late Vedic culture has evidence of music and fine arts. Music instruments such Trade and Exchange Trade and exchange had developed in the Later Vedic age. The material culture found in the archaeological sites reveals the movement of commodities and materials.
Specialised caravan traders existed. No evidence of coins has been found and therefore barter must have been the medium of exchange. The introduction of coins took place after about BCE. Religious Faith and Belief System During the Later Vedic period the upper Ganga Doab was the centre of the Aryan culture.
This region is described as the land of Kuru-Panchalas. The Vedic gods Agni and Indra lost their importance. Prajapati became the main deity. Rudra, the god of rituals, identified with Siva, became important.
The Satapatha Brahmana lists the names of Rudra as Pasunampathi, Sarva,