What are the grounds for the belief that the ancient Iranians and the ...
Grounds for the belief that the ancient Iranians and the Vedic Aryans belong to the same race:
The belief that the ancient Iranians and the Vedic Aryans belong to the same race is based on several grounds, the most significant one being the close similarity between the language of the Vedas and that of Avesta. Let's explore this and other grounds in detail:
1. Similarity between the language of the Vedas and that of Avesta:
- The language of the ancient Iranians, as recorded in the Avesta, is known as Avestan. Avestan is an Indo-Iranian language that belongs to the eastern branch of the Indo-European language family.
- The language of the Vedic Aryans, as recorded in the Vedas, is known as Vedic Sanskrit. Vedic Sanskrit is also an Indo-Iranian language, specifically belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family.
- The striking similarities in grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics between Avestan and Vedic Sanskrit suggest a close linguistic relationship between the ancient Iranians and the Vedic Aryans.
2. Cultural and religious connections:
- The ancient Iranians and the Vedic Aryans share several cultural and religious similarities.
- Both groups venerated fire and considered it sacred. The worship of fire is mentioned in both the Avesta and the Vedas.
- Both groups believed in a pantheon of gods, with some overlapping deities such as Mitra, Varuna, and Indra.
- The practice of ritual sacrifices, as described in the Vedas, also finds parallels in the Avesta.
3. Historical and geographical connections:
- Both the ancient Iranians and the Vedic Aryans inhabited the same region, which encompasses present-day Iran and parts of northern India.
- The Vedic texts mention various geographical locations that match the topography of ancient Iran, such as the rivers Sarasvati and Sindhuh, which are known in modern times as the Ghaggar and the Indus rivers.
- The Vedic Aryans were also familiar with the flora and fauna of the eastern parts of Iran, as indicated by references to horses, camels, and plants like the soma plant in the Vedas.
4. Literary connections:
- The religious literature of the ancient Iranians, as recorded in the Avesta, contains references to people and tribes with names similar to those mentioned in the Vedas.
- The Yashts, a collection of hymns in the Avesta, mention the "Aryan land" and the "Aryan people," which could be a reference to the Vedic Aryans.
Considering all these grounds, it is plausible to believe that the ancient Iranians and the Vedic Aryans belong to the same race. The linguistic, cultural, religious, and historical connections provide compelling evidence of their shared ancestry and close relationship.