The Transition from the Vedic Period: Understanding the End of Vedic Civilization and Its Successors

It is essential to understand the term 'Vedic' in its proper context. Vedic refers to a saMskRita compound word, vedika, which refers to what was said earlier or the compilation of arranged knowledge, specifically the vedas—texts composed over thousands of years from before the last ice age.

Definition and Compilation of the Vedas

The vedas are a collection of hymns, spells, and rituals divided into four main sections: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. The compilation of the vedas was predominantly the work of the sage Ved Vyasa, who completed the task around 2980 BCE, with the inception date set at 3030 BCE. This period marks the culmination of the Vedic civilization.

Prior to Vedic Civilization

Before the Vedas were compiled, the era is often referred to as 'proto Vedic' and 'early Vedic' civilizations. These civilizations existed during the ice age and Paleolithic period, where fire was essential for survival. The importance of fire led to its worship in various forms, such as Akhanda Deepa, Akhanda Homa, and Fire temples.

Significance of Fire and Its Worship

Fires were continuously maintained in homes, villages, and fire temples, and lighting new fires through the method of Arani Manthan was a rite of utmost importance. The Ishavasyopanishad thus encouraged adherence to virtuous paths and recognition of divine presence in every form of life.

The proto Vedic and early Vedic civilizations recognized the divine aspects of natural forces such as rain, wind, water, and sun through deities like Indra, Vayu, Varun, and Aditya. These deities were worshipped with different forms of rituals including lighting lamps and performing Homa.

Social and Astronomical Data

Astronomical data from the Vedas and Itihasa studies can provide valuable insights into the timeline of the Vedic period. For instance, the earliest recorded astrological data points to 15,962 BCE when a five-year yuga calendar was introduced. This indicates that the Vedic period predates 16,000 BCE.

The Vedic civilization also existed during the Neolithic age, marked by the advent of agriculture and domestication of animals. Significant events such as the beginning of Vaivaswatha Manvantara around 11,200 BCE, and the varsh pratipada event in 6,778 BCE, have been identified through detailed astronomical data.

Summarization of Vedic Knowledge

The post-Vedic period began around 3,102 BCE, coinciding with the events described in the Mahabharata. During this period, the sage Ved Vyasa compiled and classified all available Vedic knowledge into the Karmakand and Panchang, practices that continue to be followed in modern times.

After the Kurukshetra battle, 3,102 BCE marked the start of the Kaliyugabda calendar, which remains widely used in India today.

In summary, the Vedic period ended when the vedas were compiled, leading to the rise of subsequent civilizations that incorporated and evolved the Vedic knowledge into new forms, marking a significant transition in India's historical timeline.

Further Reading

For more detailed explorations on the Vedic period, interested readers can refer to the works of Vedveer Arya, who has extensively studied the astronomical data in the Vedas and Itihasa.