Indo-Aryan Migration theory

Examples of Indo-Aryan Migration theory in the following topics:

• The Indo-Aryan Migration and the Vedic Period

  • Different theories explain the Vedic Period, c. 1200 BCE, when Indo-Aryan people on the Indian subcontinent migrated to the Ganges Plain.
  • Many have rejected the claim of Indo-Aryan origin outside of India entirely, claiming the Indo-Aryan people and languages originated in India.
  • Other origin hypotheses include an Indo-Aryan Migration in the period 1800-1500 BCE, and a fusion of the nomadic people known as Kurgans.
  • The Indo-Aryans settled various parts of the plain during their migration and the Vedic Period.
  • Describe the defining characteristics of the Vedic Period and the cultural consequenes of the Indo-Aryan Migration

• Disappearance of the Indus Valley Civilization

  • The Indus Valley Civilization declined around 1800 BCE due to climate change and migration.
  • Scholars have put forth differing theories to explain the disappearance of the Harappans, including an Aryan Invasion and climate change marked by overwhelming monsoons.
  • According to one theory by British archaeologist Mortimer Wheeler, a nomadic, Indo-European tribe, called the Aryans, suddenly overwhelmed and conquered the Indus River Valley.
  • The theory suggested that by using horses and more advanced weapons against the peaceful Harappan people, the Aryans may have easily defeated them.
  • Many scholars came to believe in an Indo-Aryan Migration theory stating that the Harappan culture was assimilated during a migration of the Aryan people into northwest India.

• Jainism

  • Some scholars claim Jainism has its roots in the Indus Valley Civilization, reflecting native spirituality prior to the Indo-Aryan migration into India.
  • However, other scholars believe the Sramana traditions were separate and contemporaneous with Indo-Aryan religious practices of the historical Vedic religion.