The Aryan Invaders
The developing civilization of the Indus River Valley was overwhelmed by the fierce and warlike nomadic Aryans who swept into India through the unguarded Khyber Pass. The wealth of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa was in striking contrast to the tent cities of the Aryans located on the windswept steppes of central Asia. The quest was quickly accomplished since the people of India were not prepared to defend themselves. By 2500 B.c. little remained of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa except ruins of buildings and a few frightened people striving to remain alive.
Aryan Heritage
Although the Aryans destroyed the cities of India they later stopped their nomadic life and settled there. The Aryans wove their own rich heritage of Legend and history into that of the Indian people.
People
The Aryans were tall fair-skinned people from the area of west Turkestan in central Asia the Aryans were nomads. They lived off the meat of their herds and what loot they could gather from pillaged and conquered cities. They were on builders. They preferred the nomadic life and caring for their herds of cattle. Cattle meant wealth to the Aryans. Even their word for war meat "a desire to cows."
Entertainment
Their amusements and entertainments like their daily life were active and physical. They were fond of horse-racing, chariot-racing, dancing, gambling, and wrestling
Families and tribes
The family and the tribe were important social units to these wandering Aryan marriage was a serious step and divorce was not allowed. The tribe was like a large family and the tribesmen were fiercely loyal. Sometimes several tribes united together but this was not a frequent occurrence.
Sanskrit
They Developed a new written language called Sanskrit a language of beautiful sounds and descriptive words and terms. Even today it is considered the classical language for India. Great literature flowed from the pens of the Sanskrit writer. Among these works are the Vedas which give their idea on religion, life, death, philosophy, and music. Some of the Vedas (which means knowledge) are poetry others are prose instructions on life. In the introduction to the Vedas called the Rig-Veda there are many question on the meaning of life. One such question is "Why does a red cow give whit mild?" We may wonder why this question is asked but we must remember these people saw cattle as wealth and were very curious about them. They also wondered about the world around them. Think of your world have you ever wondered where the television picture comes from? Maybe their curiosity was not so foolish after all. We know much about our world today because thruouthout history people kept asking questions and trying to find answers
After life
The Aryans believed in an afterlife and their ceremonies surrounding death were important to them. Bodies for the dead were burned on funeral pyres because they believed the fire freed the soul so it could soar upward to heaven.