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The Aryans came to India in several waves. The earliest wave is represented by the Rig Vedic people who appeared in the subcontinent in about 1500 BC. They came into conflict with the indigenous inhabitants called the Dravidians mentioned as Dasa or Dasyus in Rig Veda. The Rig Veda mentions the defeat of Sambara by Divodasa, who belonged to the Bharata clan. Possibly the Dasyus in the Rig Veda represent the original inhabitants of the country, and an Aryan chief who overpowered them was called Trasadvasyu. The Aryan chief was soft towards the Dasas, but strongly hostile to the Dasyus. The term Dasyuhatya, slaughter of the Dasyus, is repeatedly mentioned in the Rig Veda.
Some of the chief tribes of the period were Yadu, Turvasu, Druhyu, Anu Puru, Kuru, Panchala, Bharata and Tritsu. Among the inter-tribal conflicts the most important was the ‘Battle of the Ten Kings.’
Important points to remember:
- The group of Indo-Europeans who moved to Persia and India are known to Aryans
- The Aryans are the original inhabitants of Central Asia.
- They arrived in India around 1500 BC, though there is an ongoing debate.
- The region where the Aryans settled in India was called Sapta Sindhu (also referred to as the Brahmavarta)
- The Aryans established themselves in India by defeating the natives whom they called Dasas or Dasyus
- The period when the Aryans first settled in India, is known as Early Vedic Period (1500 BC to 1000 BC)
- The Aryans spread to Indo-Gangetic plains in the Later Vedic Period and this region came to be known as Aryavarta (1000 BC to 600 BC)
- The Aryans were the first people in India to know the use of iron and brought horses along with them.
Stratification in Vedic Society
Although the Rig Veda deals with devotional work of religious nature, yet it gives a vivid picture of the early Vedic civilization. The Vedic Civilization is best understood from the social life, political organisation, economic life and religious beliefs. The Kula or family was the basic unit of Rig-Vedic society. The Kula was headed by a Kulapa, who was usually the eldest member. Society was essentially patriarchal and birth of son was desired repeatedly. Status of Women was equal to men in the early Rig-Vedic society. Both polygamy and polyandry were in vogue.
The Evolution of Varna System
Social strata used to exist in the Harappan civilization also. Similarly, there was a threefold division of society {priests, rulers and producers} in the Iranian society also. However, what happened in Indian sub-continent was unique and extraordinary. In the evolution of Kingship in the later Vedic era, the priests (Brahmans) and rulers (Khsatriyas) consolidated their respective position in the society. The producers split into two groups. The free peasants and traders formed the group Vaishya while the slaves, laborers, artisans degraded to fourth group Shudra. This was based on occupation initially but later got rigid on the basis of birth. Despite of a small Population, the people got compartmentalized into these four groups as per Varnashrama Dharma.
Marriage and women
Despite of the patriarchal character of the family, the position of women was much better in the Rig Vedic period than in later times. They could attend assemblies and offer sacrifices along with their husbands. Five women have been mentioned as composers of hymns out of which Ghosha, Lopamudra and Apala are famous. Girls were normally married off after puberty (between the age of 16 and 17). Unmarried girls grew up in the home of their parents. Some unmarried woman like Visvavara and Apala offered sacrifices on their own. There are also evidences of widow remarriage in the Rig-Veda.
In the early Rig-Vedic era, entire instruction was given orally. Art of writing does not seem to have developed yet. In the well-known Gayatri mantra there is a prayer to Savitri for the stimulation of the intellect. There were women teachers. Many of them possessed the highest spiritual knowledge. Maitreyi and Gargi were gifted scholars. Rishis who composed hymns founded their own schools separately to teach their pupils and every person among the vis was entitled to learn Vedic mantras. In the later-Vedic phase, with the development of Varnashrama, education began with an investiture ceremony (upanayan). Since Upanayan was confined to three upper Varnas, the sudras were not entitled to education. Sometimes girls were also encouraged. When teacher was satisfied with the student, last sermon called snatakopadesa (kind of convocation) was delivered.
Institution of Gotra
Gotra or cowpen was a mechanism for widening social ties a new relationship was established between hitherto unrelated people. It is possible that animals were herded in common and such a place was known as gotra and from this it acquired the character of an exogamous institution.
Amusements and entertainments
Music, both vocal and instrumental, was well known. Vedic Aryans played on the Vina and flute Vana to the accompaniment of drums and cymbals. Few claim that Dhrupad of Indian classical music originated in Vedic Era. Dancing was common. The chariot race was a favourite sport and source of entertainment. Chariot race was a symbolic source of political authority of the king. The fascination of gambling and the ruin caused by its addiction find mention in the Rig-Veda.
House holding
The Griha sutra prescribes a Code Of Conduct, which gives a fairly good idea of the manners and etiquette of the later-Vedic age. A guest (atithi) was welcomed at all times and special guests, like the guru, the king, and the father-in-law, etc. were given special treatment. Respect for the elders self-restraint, moral purity, abstinence of all kinds and faithfulness were some of the virtues. Cleanliness was a passion. Daily bath, washing of the feet and hands every now and then, and purifying the Atmosphere with Vedic mantras were a part of ritual when ritualism acquired special significance in the later-Vedic age. It became one of the many sources of the development of hierarchy and the supremacy for the Brahmanas.
Eating Habits
The main cereal produced by the early Rig-Vedic people was Yava or barley. Wheat (Godhuma) appears in later Vedic texts only. Yava was also a generic term for various kinds of Cereals. ilk, Milk products and cattle meat belonged to their food habits. Alcoholic / Non-alcoholic drinks were known and common. Soma and Sura are two popular liquors. Sura may be a kind of beer or wine.
Dress code
Two pieces of cloth were normally worn- the upper garment was called uttariya and the lower one was known as antariya. The dress for the male and the female did not differ much.
Health-and-hygiene/”>Health and Hygiene
Everyone aspired for and everyone was blessed to live for a hundred years. Epilepsy was common and it affected the children as well. Superstitions and magical charms were employed to cure the diseases. Miraculous cures are ascribed to the twin-gods, the Ashvins, who are the great healers of diseases and experts in the surgical art. They were divine physicians who restored eyesight and cured the blind, sick and maimed.
Rig Vedic economy
Rig Vedic economy was primarily pastoral. They domesticated Pashu (which included cattle, horse and even human beings), as opposed to Mriga, i.e. wild animals. Cattle was synonymous with wealth and a wealthy person was called Gomat. Cattle was so important that the terms of battle were derived from Gau itself, such as Gavisti, Gosu, Gavyat, Gavyu. Godhuli was a measure of time. Gopa and Gopati were epithets given to the king. Duhitri was the term used for daughter because she used to milk the cow. One of the four categories of gods was known as Gojata, i.e. cowborn. When the Vedic people encountered buffalo, they called it Gauri and Gavala or cow-haired. The cattle obtained in raids were divided among the families. Cattle formed an important item of donation and it may also have formed a part of bali, the tribute given to the raja by the clan or Vis members. The cattle in general and cow in particular was the main medium of exchange during the Rig Vedic period. The economy was based upon agriculture. The people were well acquainted with the sowing, harvesting, threshing and various agro seasons. The people were pastoral, Cow was revered but the cows, and bulls were sacrificed too. The gifts to the priests were in terms of number of Cows and women slaves but NOT in measurements of lands.
Crafts and Metallurgy
All kinds of crafts were practiced. There were potters, Chariot makers, carpenters, and weaver and leather workers. The Metal work was known as follows: Copper was known as “Ayas” Gold was known as Hiranya Iron was also known as was known as Shyama or Krishna Ayas.
Religion
There were no places of worship like temples. There are no indications in the Rig-Veda of any “temples reared by mortal hands” and consecrated as places of worship. On the contrary, every householder, every patriarch of his family, lighted the sacrificial fire in his own home and poured libations of the Soma juice and prayed to the gods for happiness to his family, for abundant crops and wealth and cattle, for immunity from sickness, and for victory over the black aborigines. Natural phenomena were conceived as the expression of some spiritual different appearances of various gods.,
The Aryans were a group of Indo-European peoples who migrated to Europe and India from Central Asia around 2000 BC. They spoke a language called Proto-Indo-European, which is the ancestor of many modern languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Hindi, and Persian.
The Aryans were a warrior people who brought with them their own culture and religion. They believed in a pantheon of gods, including Indra, the god of war, and Varuna, the god of the sky. They also practiced a form of animal sacrifice.
The Aryans had a significant impact on the cultures of Europe and India. In Europe, they introduced their language, religion, and culture to the indigenous peoples. In India, they founded the Vedic civilization, which was the foundation of Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism.
The Aryans were a complex and fascinating people who left a lasting legacy on the world. Their language, religion, and culture continue to influence people today.
Aryan Migration
The Aryans migrated to Europe and India in several waves. The first wave of migration occurred around 2000 BC, and it brought the Aryans to the Balkans and northern India. The second wave of migration occurred around 1500 BC, and it brought the Aryans to central and southern Europe. The third wave of migration occurred around 1000 BC, and it brought the Aryans to northern Europe.
The Aryans were a nomadic people, and they moved from place to place in search of new pastures for their herds. They were also skilled warriors, and they often fought with the indigenous peoples of the lands they invaded.
Aryan Languages
The Aryans spoke a language called Proto-Indo-European. This language is the ancestor of many modern languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Hindi, and Persian.
Proto-Indo-European was a highly inflected language, which means that the endings of words changed depending on their function in the sentence. It was also a polysynthetic language, which means that words could be very long, consisting of multiple roots.
Aryan Religion
The Aryans believed in a pantheon of gods, including Indra, the god of war, and Varuna, the god of the sky. They also practiced a form of animal sacrifice.
The Aryans believed that the gods lived in a world called Svarga. This world was located above the earth, and it was a place of eternal bliss. The Aryans also believed in a world called Naraka, which was located below the earth. This world was a place of punishment for sinners.
Aryan Culture
The Aryans had a rich and complex culture. They were skilled in agriculture, metalworking, and warfare. They also developed a sophisticated system of law and government.
The Aryans were also skilled in the arts. They composed beautiful poetry and music. They also painted and sculpted.
Aryan Impact on Europe
The Aryans had a significant impact on the cultures of Europe. They introduced their language, religion, and culture to the indigenous peoples. They also founded the Celtic civilization, which was the foundation of European civilization.
The Aryans also had a significant impact on the development of European languages. Many European languages, such as English, German, French, and Spanish, are descended from Proto-Indo-European.
Aryan Impact on India
The Aryans had a significant impact on the cultures of India. They founded the Vedic civilization, which was the foundation of Hinduism. They also introduced their language, religion, and culture to the indigenous peoples.
The Aryans also had a significant impact on the development of Indian languages. Many Indian languages, such as Hindi, Punjabi, and Bengali, are descended from Proto-Indo-European.
Aryan Impact on the Middle East
The Aryans had a significant impact on the cultures of the Middle East. They introduced their language, religion, and culture to the indigenous peoples. They also founded the Persian Empire, which was one of the largest and most powerful empires in history.
The Aryans also had a significant impact on the development of Middle Eastern languages. Many Middle Eastern languages, such as Persian, Kurdish, and Pashto, are descended from Proto-Indo-European.
The Aryans were a complex and fascinating people who left a lasting legacy on the world. Their language, religion, and culture continue to influence people today.
What is the Origin of the Aryans?
The Aryans were a group of Indo-European peoples who migrated to India and Iran in the 2nd millennium BC. They are believed to have originated in Central Asia, and their language, Sanskrit, is the ancestor of many modern Indian languages.
What are some of the characteristics of the Aryans?
The Aryans were a warrior people who were skilled in horsemanship and warfare. They were also skilled in agriculture and metalworking. They were polytheistic and worshipped a number of gods, including Indra, the god of war, and Varuna, the god of the sky.
What was the impact of the Aryans on India and Iran?
The Aryans had a profound impact on the cultures of India and Iran. They introduced their language, Sanskrit, to India, and it became the language of the Hindu scriptures. They also introduced their religion, Hinduism, to India. The Aryans also had a significant impact on the culture of Iran, where they introduced their language, Avestan, and their religion, Zoroastrianism.
What are some of the sources of information about the Aryans?
The main sources of information about the Aryans are the Vedas, a collection of Hindu scriptures, and the Avesta, a collection of Zoroastrian scriptures. The Vedas are the oldest scriptures in the world, and they provide a wealth of information about the Aryans, their culture, and their religion. The Avesta is also an important source of information about the Aryans, but it is not as old as the Vedas.
What are some of the controversies surrounding the Aryans?
There are a number of controversies surrounding the Aryans. One controversy is the question of their origin. Some scholars believe that the Aryans originated in Central Asia, while others believe that they originated in Europe. Another controversy is the question of their race. Some scholars believe that the Aryans were a white race, while others believe that they were a mixed race.
What is the future of research on the Aryans?
Research on the Aryans is ongoing, and there is still much that we do not know about them. However, new discoveries are being made all the time, and we are slowly piecing together the puzzle of their history and culture.
Question 1
The Aryans were a group of people who migrated to India from Central Asia. They spoke a language called Sanskrit and brought with them their own culture and religion.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of the Aryans?
(A) They were a nomadic people.
(B) They were skilled in horsemanship and warfare.
(C) They were polytheistic.
(D) They were a peaceful people.
Answer
(D)
The Aryans were a warlike people who conquered many lands. They were also skilled in horsemanship and warfare.
Question 2
The Aryans believed in a number of gods and goddesses. Some of the most important gods were Indra, the god of war; Agni, the god of fire; and Soma, the god of the moon.
Which of the following is not a god of the Aryans?
(A) Vishnu
(B) Shiva
(C) Brahma
(D) Yama
Answer
(A)
Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma are all Hindu gods. The Aryans were the ancestors of the Hindus.
Question 3
The Aryans were the authors of the Vedas, a collection of sacred texts that are the foundation of Hinduism.
Which of the following is not a Veda?
(A) Rig Veda
(B) Yajur Veda
(C) Sama Veda
(D) Atharva Veda
Answer
(D)
The Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, and Sama Veda are the three main Vedas. The Atharva Veda is a fourth Veda that is not as important as the other three.
Question 4
The Aryans were a major influence on the development of Indian culture. Their language, Sanskrit, is the basis of many Indian languages. Their religion, Hinduism, is the dominant Religion in India.
Which of the following is not a contribution of the Aryans to Indian culture?
(A) The caste system
(B) The Hindu religion
(C) The Sanskrit language
(D) The decimal system
Answer
(D)
The decimal system was developed in Babylonia. The Aryans did not contribute to the development of the decimal system.
Question 5
The Aryans were a major force in the history of India. They conquered many lands and brought with them their own culture and religion. Their influence can still be seen in Indian culture today.
Which of the following is not a true statement about the Aryans?
(A) They were a nomadic people.
(B) They spoke a language called Sanskrit.
(C) They were polytheistic.
(D) They were a peaceful people.
Answer
(D)
The Aryans were a warlike people who conquered many lands. They were also skilled in horsemanship and warfare.