The Aryans were semi-nomadic pastoral people
and originated from area around the Caspian Sea in Central Asia (many
historians have given various theories regarding their original place). The
Central Asian theory is given by Max Muller.
Entered India probably through the Khyber Pass
(Hindukush Mountains) around 1500 BC.
Early Vedic or Rigvedic
Period
Political
Organisation:-
Monarchial from. Tribe was known as Jan and
its king as Rajan.
Family was
the basic unit of society. The family was patriarchal in nature.
The Samiti
was the National Assembly of the people while the Sabha was Council of Elders.
Social:-
Social structure was patriarchal.
Women had a
high place in society and were co-workers and co-partners in the life with
their husbands.
Caste
system was not hereditary, but was based on one’s own profession.
Economy:-
Aryans followed a mixed economy-pastoral and
agricultural- in which cattle played a predominant part.
Standard unit of exchange was cow. At the same
time coins were also there.
Script:-
The script is pictographic, not deciphered.
End/Decay:-
Invasion of the Aryans, recurrent floods,
social breakup of Harappans, earthquakes, major ecological changes etc. are
listed as possible causes.
Religion:-
The Aryans personified the natural forces and
looked upon them as living beings.
The most
important divinity was Indra who played the role of warlord (breaker of
forts-Purandar).
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