Indo-Aryan+Civilization



Indo-Aryans were a nomadic hunter and gather people who replaced the Indus river civilization. The Indo-Aryan Civilization developed literary epics known as Vedas. An example of one of the those Vedas was the Rig Veda. The Aryan civilization, which conquered the Indus River civilization, became heavily influential on the people, especially in areas such as politics, social, and religion. In politics, Aryans brought their ideas of tight levels of village organization and power was granted to village chiefs, who then organized village defenses and regulate property relationships among family. In the social area, families became more patriarchal and extended family relations (grandparents, parents, and children) were close. Also, it was because of the Aryans that the Caste system was created. It's first purpose was to establish relationships between the conquerors (the Aryans) and the conquered. In religion, the indigenous people adopted the Aryan characteristic of having many gods and goddesses, who regulated natural forces and possessed human qualities, i.e. Indra (god of thunder and strength). Also, the indigenous people adopted the idea of the cow being sacred from the Aryans, which gradually led to the creation of Hinduism.

Created by Elizabeth Thompson (9/01/08) Edited by Rachel Mitchell 9/2/08 Edited by Allie Pinosky: September 7, 2008

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