Ancient India in 4th Century B.C

Ancient India in 4th Century B.C.

Before 4th century B.C. there existed the major civilization called the Vedic civilization. The Vedic civilization is divided into two segments: 1. early vedic civilization and 2. later vedic civilization. The main source for studying this civilization is the Vedic literature.

In the early vedic civilization we get the picture of a society which depended on primitive economic activities like pastoralism, nomadic life and worship of different deities. It is said that the Vedi people gradually obtained the knowledge regarding the art of agricultural production. Now they started to migrate and settle on the fertile river valleys. The increased agricultural production led to competition among different dominant social groups to control economy and society. There emerged social divisions which led to the emergence of varna and jati system.

However, there is no unanimity among the historians regarding the date of the text of Vedic people like Rg Veda, which is considered the earliest text of not only India but also the world. Other texts written by Vedic people are Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. Later there was the composition of texts like Brahmanas and Aranyakas, smritis like Manu Smriti and Yajnavalkya Smriti and Puranas. Smritis were commentaries on earlier texts. These commentaries recorded the changes in the society and the adjustments that were made in the law codes. For example, Manu Smriti mentions the emergence of number of jatis as a result of inter mixture of various higher and lower varnas. The latter texts like Puranas were standardized by 3rd century A.D. They contain certain information regarding certain events which took place during the earlier period also.

Sixth century B.C. is supposed to be a very important period in history of India as there was the emergence of a new pattern of polity, economy and society during this period. This period was known for new material culture called NBP culture known for its urban character. We find the emergence of religious urban centres and economic urban centres. The latter emerged due to the existence of flourishing trade and commerce in North India. During this period there was the emergence of Buddhism, Jainism and various other religions. These religions challenged the dogma of Hinduism or Vedic religion which gave more importance to caste rules and the sacrifice of animals.

There existed many territorial states called mahajanapadas. In total there were 16 such states. The state system reached a great maturity under the kings of Magadha. Out of the conflicts between mahajanapadas there emerged the state system. It was here that ultimately in 4th century B.C., the Mauryans established their empire.

Reference: 1. A.L. Basham, The Wonder that was India, London, 1954
2. D. N. Jha, Ancient India An Introductory Outline, New Delhi, 1977
  3. Romila Thapar, A History of India Vol. I, Penguin Books, England, 1985.