Difference Between the material life of Rigvedic and Later Vedic people

Rigvedic (1500–1000 BCE) and Later Vedic (1000–600 BCE) phases show transition from pastoralism to agrarian economy with iron technology.

Agriculture

Rigvedic: Barley main crop, limited farming. Later Vedic: Rice, wheat, pulses, surplus production.

Rigvedic: Cattle = wealth, more pastoral. Later Vedic: Agriculture dominant, pastoral life secondary.

Rigvedic: Copper, bronze tools; no iron. Later Vedic: Iron (Krishna-Ayas) used for plough & weapons.

Rigvedic: Simple huts, plain pottery. Later Vedic: Permanent houses, Painted Grey Ware.

Rigvedic: Barter, small trade. Later Vedic: Coins (Nishka, Satamana), craft specialization.

Rigvedic: Concentrated in north-west (Punjab, Haryana, Afghanistan side).

Later Vedic: Expanded towards Ganga-Yamuna plains; agriculture + rice cultivation flourished.

Thus, Rigvedic life was simple & pastoral, while Later Vedic society became agrarian, iron-based, surplus-producing and socially complex.