This period is referred to as the `golden age` of literature by scholars. This had become achievable due to the soaring aims, which the Aryans had emphasised in education.

Education-The purpose of education was to achieve the utmost knowledge-the knowledge of soul and God. As stated by Dr. Radha Kumud Mookerjee, "The ultimate aim of education was the attainment of highest knowledge, the knowledge of Bramha or Atma as the sole and supreme reality. But it can be attained only by complete conquest of desire and renunciation of the world".

It is known through Atharvaveda that education began after the `Upanayana` ceremony. This ritual completely changed the life of a child. In his subsequent life, he practiced the rules of Brahmacharya. He considered his teacher like God. He solicited for food and other items for yajna. All these asepcts were meant for the total development of the body and mind of the students. According to Upanishads, the pupils lived with the teacher and besides soliciting for food and other items, did other domestic works of the teacher. Thus students studied for twelve years in `Gurukula`, in the domestic school.

There had been vast progression in the sphere of education. Debates among scholars used to be held to decide religious and philosophical disputes. The debate between Yojnavalkaya and Gargi in the Sabha of Janak is an unforgettable historical truth. Kings used to give away prizes to winners in debates.

Literature-As remarked by Dr. R. K. Mookerjee, "The age of the later Vedic literature of Brahmans and Upanishads is universally admitted as the golden age of literature and intellectual progress of which the highest level is registered in the works know as Aranyakas and Upanishads".

Vedic Samhitas-The Yajurveda Samhita, Samaveda Samhita and Atharvaveda Samhita were rendered during this period. Vedic Samhitas are a massive storehouse of knowledge and helps one to understand the social, economic, political and religious life of the Aryans of later Vedic Period.

Brahmanas-Brahmanas are the commentaries of Vedic hymns. These are very significant for the appropriate understanding of the Vedas by ordinary men. They are largely written in prose. The Brahmanas also explain the method of execution of rites, rituals and yajnas. There are different Brahmans for each Veda. `Aitareya` and `Kaushitaki` or Sankhyana` Brahmanas belong to Rigveda. `Taittiriya` and `Satapatha` Brahmanas belong to Yajurveda.

`Tandya-Maha-Brahmana`, `Shadvinsa`, `Brahmana` and `Jaiminiya Brahmana` are related to Samaveda. Lastly `Gopatha Brahmana`, is believed to belong to Atharvaveda, but some scholars regard it as a Vedanga literature, belonging to a later date.

Upanishads-Upanishads are famous as `Vedanta` in Indian philosophy. They comprise the religious and spiritual thoughts of the Aryans. They possess the kernel of the Vedas. Subjects like Soul and God, Doctrine of Karma, Salvation and way of achieving it etc., are dealt with in the Upanishads. As stated by Max Muller, "The Upanishads are the source of Vedanta philosophy. The Upanishads are the most noteworthy of the whole Vedic literature. Upanishads comprise 300 in number, but the most significant of them are `Aitareya`, `Taittiriya`, `Mundai`, `Kathoupanishads,` `Chandogaya" etc. With respect to the historical prospect of the Upanishads, they are very priceless sources for furnishing a vibrant description of the social, religious and spiritual life of the Aryans.

Aranyakas-Aranyakas are found at the end of the Brahmanas. They are intended for the hermits, staying in forests and deal with theology and philosophy. Subjects like the soul, origin and elements of universe, regarding the creation of the universe etc., have been dealt in Aranyakas. Aranyakas which are available, include- Aitareya, Shanykhyan, Jiaitrayi, Yadhandin Brihad Aranyaka, Talavakara and Taittiriya Aranyakas. These Aranyakas contemplate the spiritual advancement which the Aranyakas had accomplished.

Vedangas-There are six Vedangas, which include- Siksha (Pronunciation), Chhanda (Meter), Vyakarna (Grammar), Kalpa (Ritual), Nirukta (Etymology) and Jyotish (Astronomy). Siksha Vedanga deals with the science of perfect pronunciation of the Vedic hymns. Kalpa is the most central among all the Vedangas. It is also known us `Grihya Sutra`, because it deals with the household life of the Aryans. All the rituals performed by the Aryans from the time of birth till death is portrayed in it. Vyakarna (Grammar) is valuable for the understanding of the Vedas. Nirukta (Etymology) helps one to understand the exact meaning of the Vedas. The most substantial book of Chhanda (Meter) Sastra is `Chhanda Sutra`, written by Pingala. Lastly, Jyotish (Astronomy) demonstrates that the ancient rishis had studied the science of astronomy and had acquired the knowledge about dates, months, seasons etc. They had perceived the command of planets upon the lives of the human beings.