Aryan Civilization 1500-500 BCE

Aryan Formation

After the destruction of the Indus Civilization, there was a period of migration from Central Asia and Eastern Europe into Western India through the Kyber Pass around 1500 BCE. The new people were nomadic sheep and cattle herders who settled by the Ganges River alongside the natives of India, also known as the Dravidians. Since these nomads lived so closely to the Dravidians, soon acculturation began to happen. Eventually the two peoples merged into a new cultural era, calling themselves Aryans.

Skilled farmers, Aryans quickly learned iron working and engaged in trade with other people. As their wealth and knowledge increased, soon they formed a society whose beliefs have changed the world.

Within the civilization, sixteen independent city-states emerged, each with its own prince or chief that was also known as a rajah. The rajah was in charge of making any decisions that affected the entire kingdom and of making sure his people followed traditions and rituals. Within the Aryan household, children were taught by a guru, or teacher, and education was considered a vital part of the success of the kingdoms. Houses were made mostly of straw and wood, and the city's central gathering place consisted of a large fireplace, also known as the Yagna.

Aryan Society