by Rekha Rao (Author)
This book explores what ancient literary sources, namely Rig Veda and Manusmriti, have documented about Aryas and non-Aryas. Details about their origin, geographical presence and social life patterns from Rig Veda and Manusmriti serve as a literary evidence to prove that Aryas were indigenous people, initially living in the region to the east of the Indus river. In fact, the battle of Dasharajna, documented in Rig Veda, indicates that Aryas migrated westward and subsequently conquered regions to the west of the Indus river. In addition to the literary evidence, there is also archaeological evidence, from approximately similar time period and geography, in the form Indus Valley seals and artifacts. Both the literary and archeological evidence strengthen the hypothesis that Aryas were indigenous people. Aryas did not migrate to South Asia from other parts of the world.