Letters From a Father | Episode 28 Letter 30 | What Were the Aryans in India Like?

 

In this letter, Nehru describes the Aryans who arrived in India thousands of years ago, likely in gradual waves, over hundreds of years. He imagines their migration as long caravans of people with all their possessions. These Aryans mostly came over the northwest mountains, and perhaps some by sea.

Nehru explores the Aryans' culture through their ancient texts, particularly the Vedas, which are among the oldest books in the world. Initially passed down orally, these texts reflect the wisdom of the rishis and munis of that time. The Aryans were knowledgeable, and their literature in Sanskrit is admired even today. The hymns of the Rig Veda, one of the oldest Vedas, reveal a joyful, adventurous people who worshipped their gods through songs.

The Aryans were proud of their race, loved freedom, and preferred death over dishonor or slavery. They were skilled in agriculture and science, valuing rivers and animals like cows and bulls for their contributions to farming and daily life. Over time, their reverence for the cow led to its worship, a practice that later lost its original significance.

Lastly, to preserve their identity, the Aryans made rules to prevent intermarriage with the native inhabitants. This gradually evolved into the caste system, which Nehru criticizes as absurd in its modern form but notes is diminishing in importance.

Tags 
Jawaharlal Nehru Indira Gandhi letters
Pita ke Patra Putri ke Naam by Jawaharlal Nehru 
Letters from a Father to his Daughter 
Nehru ke patra Indira ko
Nehru’s Letters to Indira
पाठ 30 हिन्दुस्तान के आर्य कैसे थे? 
अध्याय ३०  हिन्दुस्तान के आर्य कैसे थे?
Lesson 30  What Were the Aryans in India Like?