Economic condition of Later Vedic Period

        Economic condition of Later Vedic Age

The economic life of Epic Age was well organised. Atharvaveda and Satpath Brahamana are the chief sources of information regarding their economic condition.

Agriculture- People were live in village and their chief occupation was agriculture.They produced cotton,wheat,barley,rice and vegetables.Six to twenty-four oxen were used to ploughing the field.The plough must have been very heavy.It is referred to in the Mahabharta that the lands of Kisala,Vatsa,Matsya etc . were very fertile.

Cattle-breeding-Cattle-breeding was the need of the day.Meadows were carefully looked after so that domesticated animals might not have any inconvenience in grazing.It is indicated in the Atharvaved that death sentence was awarded for cow slaughter.Thus the importance of livestock was felt and proper attention was paid to this occupation.

Trade and Commerce-The chief professions were those of a carpenter,potter,charioteer,jeweler,basket-maker,goldsmith.Fine cloths,both cotton and woolen,were also manufactured.Many kinds of coins such as Nishka and Karshmana were in use.Barter system was also prevalent and cow was the medium of exchange.Thus the life of the Epic age was happy and prosperous which was the result of well developed trade and commerce.For business purpose money was lent out interest . The rate of interest is not known.

Means of Transport-The mean of transport were not much developed as compared to the modern age.The reference to roads is available in the Atharvaveda. Bullock carts were the chief method of transport.Ships and boats were also used.