Decline Of Vedic Religion

Factors in the Decline

• Impact of the Mahabharata War: Massive losses among Kshatriya warriors undermined Vedic social order and patronage networks.
• Iron Age Polities: Migration of Naga-Asuras with superior iron weaponry shifted power from Vedic elites to tribal federations.
• Heterodox Sramanic Movements: Buddhism and Jainism questioned Vedic authority, offering alternative paths to liberation.
• Literary Stagnation: After the 5th century BCE, composition of Brahmanas and Aranyakas decreased markedly, signaling waning ritual innovation.