[prox]

I have been reading a LOT on the topic. The date ranges usually from 1700-1200, mostly skewing towards 1700-1500. Mostly they date it based on stylistic reasons and things mentioned in them, that seem to correlate with those timeframes.

[kragen]

1700–1500 BCE, for the original composition?

Any recommendations for an overview of the field?

[prox]

There is a good book by Romila Thapar, “Early History of India” , for the general overview of early history. You probably want her latest edition, they changed a lot over the years.

A bit more classical but thorough is a History of India by Herman Kulke and Dietmar Rothermund.

And the best one to go into detail is “The Rigveda : a guide” by Joel P Brereton & Stephanie W Jameson.

[kragen]

Thank you very much!