Origin & Culture of Aryans in Vedic India

Origin & Culture of Aryans in Vedic India

Origin of the Aryans

The origin of the Aryans is debated. Some scholars say they were indigenous to India, while others argue they migrated from regions like Central Asia (as per Max Muller), Europe, or even the Arctic (B.G. Tilak).

The most accepted theory suggests they came from Central Asia in waves between 2000–1500 BCE. Evidence like the Doghazkai inscription from Turkey mentioning Vedic gods supports this.

They first settled in the Sapta Sindhu region (modern Punjab and nearby), later expanding eastward into the Ganga-Yamuna plains.

Vedic Literature (1500–600 BCE)

Vedic literature was composed orally and passed down as Shruti (heard). It’s considered eternal (Nitya) and not man-made (Apaurusheya).

Four main types of Vedic texts:

• Samhitas (Vedas): Core texts; Rig Veda is the oldest with 1028 hymns.

• Brahmanas: Ritual explanations.

• Aranyakas: Forest texts, a bridge between ritual and philosophy.

• Upanishads: Philosophical reflections; 108 in total.

Each Veda had its character:

• Rig Veda: Hymns to deities.

• Yajur Veda: Ritual formulas.

• Sama Veda: Melodic chants.

• Atharva Veda: Spells and healing.

Smriti Literature (600 BCE–600 CE)

Unlike Shruti, Smriti texts were remembered and written down.

They included:

• Vedangas (six auxiliaries): Phonetics (Shiksha), Rituals (Kalpa), Grammar (Vyakarana), Etymology (Nirukta), Meter (Chhanda), Astronomy (Jyotisha).

• Smritis/Dharmashastras: Legal and ethical codes (e.g., Manu, Yajnavalkya).

• Epics: Ramayana (Valmiki) and Mahabharata (Vyasa).

• Puranas: 18 major ones like Matsya, Vishnu, Bhagavata, covering myths, creation, and genealogies.

• Upavedas: Practical sciences—

  • Ayurveda (medicine) – Rig Veda

  • Dhanurveda (archery) – Yajur Veda

  • Gandharvaveda (music) – Sama Veda

  • Shilpveda (crafts/wealth) – Atharva Veda

Shad-Darshanas (Six Philosophical Schools)

These were systematic schools of thought:

• Sankhya by Kapila

• Yoga by Patanjali

• Nyaya by Gautama

• Vaisheshika by Kanada

• Mimansa by Jaimini

• Vedanta by Badarayana

Rig Vedic (Early Vedic) Period (1500–1000 BCE)

Geography: Aryans lived in Sapta Sindhu, the land of the 7 rivers (Indus, Ravi, Saraswati, etc.). The famous Battle of Ten Kings (Dasrajan) was fought on the River Ravi.

Political system:

• Society organized as Kula → Grama → Vis → Jana → Rashtra.

• King (Rajan), aided by Purohita (priest), Senani (military).

• Popular assemblies: Sabha, Samiti, Vidatha, Gana.

Society:

• Four varnas existed, but were not hereditary.

• Women enjoyed relatively high status (e.g., Gargi), and widow remarriage (Niyoga) was allowed.

• Diet: milk, meat, grains; the cow was sacred.

Economy:

• Mainly pastoral; cattle = wealth.

• Barter system; professions included carpenters, weavers.

• OCP (Ochre Colored Pottery) culture.

Religion:

• Henotheism: many gods, one supreme at a time.

• Gods of nature: Indra (rain), Agni (fire), Varuna (cosmic order).

• Simple yajnas; no idols or temples.

Later Vedic Period (1000–600 BCE)

Expansion: Aryans moved eastward into the Ganga-Yamuna plains, with key janapadas like Kuru, Panchala, and Kashi emerging.

Politics:

• Larger kingdoms with more officials: Bhagadudha (tax collector), Akshavapa (courier), Suta (charioteer).

• Kings gained divine status, judiciary evolved.

• Assemblies like Sabha and Samiti lost importance.

Society:

• Varna system became hereditary; the gotra and ashrama (life stages) system emerged.

• Women’s status declined, and education became rare.

• Ritualism increased, dominance of Brahmins grew.

Types of marriages:

• Brahma, Daiva, Prajapatya, Gandharva (love marriage), Asura, Rakshasa, Paishacha.

• Anuloma (upper man-lower woman), Pratiloma (reverse) marriage types.

Economy:

• Shift to agriculture; iron tools used; land became more valuable than cattle.

• Trade guilds (srenis) emerged; new crafts and professions appeared.

• PGW (Painted Grey Ware) culture developed.

Religion:

• Gods like Vishnu, Rudra gained importance.

• Yajnas became complex; 17 priests were needed for major rituals.

• Reaction to rituals led to Upanishadic philosophy: karma, rebirth, moksha.

Yajnas (Sacrifices):

• Simple: Agnihotra, Darsha, Pancha Mahayajnas.

• Royal: Ashvamedha (horse), Rajasuya, Vajapeya.

16 Samskaras (Rites of Passage) include:

• Birth (Jatakarma), Naming (Namakarana), Thread ceremony (Upanayana), Marriage (Vivaha), Death (Antyeshti), etc.

12 Ratnins (Royal Council Members)

From the Shatapatha Brahmana:

• Purohita (priest), Mahishi (queen), Senani (commander), Suta (charioteer), Gramani (village head), Bhagadudha (tax collector), and others like Akshavapa (messenger), Sangrahitri (treasurer)

Final Thoughts

The Vedic period marks the foundation of Indian civilization, shaping its religion, society, and philosophy.

From the early Rig Vedic focus on nature worship and pastoral life to the complex rituals and structured society of the Later Vedic age, this era laid the groundwork for key concepts like dharma, karma, and varna.

The evolution of political systems, economy, and spiritual thought during this time deeply influenced later Indian history and culture.