Answer:

The centre of Aryan activity in the later Vedic period was from the Yamuna to the western borders of Bengal. This region played a significant role in the development and expansion of the Aryan civilization during this period.

Key Points:

1. Geographical location: The region from the Yamuna to the western borders of Bengal covers a vast area in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. It includes present-day states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.

2. Cultural significance: This region was an important center for the Aryans during the later Vedic period. It was here that the Vedic texts were composed, rituals were performed, and social and religious customs were developed. The Aryan society was organized into tribes known as Janas, and they had a strong presence in this area.

3. Political importance: The Aryan tribes in this region were politically organized into tribal republics or oligarchies. They had a system of governance known as the Sabha and Samiti, which represented the democratic principles of the Aryan society. These republics were ruled by kings who were elected by the people and governed with the consent of the assembly.

4. Economic activities: Agriculture and cattle rearing were the primary economic activities of the Aryans in this region. The fertile Gangetic plains provided favorable conditions for agriculture, and the Aryans developed advanced agricultural techniques. They also domesticated animals like cows and horses, which played a crucial role in their economy and warfare.

5. Trade and commerce: The region from the Yamuna to the western borders of Bengal was strategically located near important trade routes. It facilitated trade and commerce with other regions of the Indian subcontinent and beyond. The Aryans engaged in long-distance trade and maintained commercial contacts with neighboring kingdoms.

6. Spread of Vedic culture: The Aryans in this region played a vital role in spreading Vedic culture to other parts of the Indian subcontinent. Through their interactions and migrations, they disseminated their language, rituals, and traditions to different regions, contributing to the development of a pan-Indian Vedic culture.

In conclusion, the region from the Yamuna to the western borders of Bengal was the center of Aryan activity in the later Vedic period. Its geographical, cultural, political, and economic significance made it an important hub for the Aryans, shaping the course of their civilization and influencing the wider Indian society.