ARYAN EXPANSION

ARYAN EXPANSION

In the later Vedic period (1000-600 Be), the Aryans spread out from their early settlements (in Afghanistan and Punjab) to the Ganga-Yamuna Doab. Towards the east, the Aryans penetrated into Kosala, Kashi, Videha, Magadha, Anga, etc. The Kurus and Panchalas were the leading Aryan tribes. References to the Andhras and the Pulindas prove the emerging Aryan contact with the south. In th~ beginning they cleared the land by burning; later with the use of iron tools which became common by 1000-800 Be.
Archaeologists have excavated parts of a few sites of this period, such as Hastinapur, Ahicchatra, and Kausambi. The town of Hastinapur was almost completely destroyed by flood at the end of its existence, and little remains but sherds of painted grey pottery, a few copper implements, and traces of houses of unbaked bricks. Kausambi has produced similar pottery, a little iron, and remains of a well­made city wall faced with burnt brick.

While the Aryans had by now expanded far into India, their old home in Punjab and North-West was practically forgotten. Later Vedic literature mentions it rarely, and then usually with disparagement and contempt, as an impure land where the Vedic sacrifices were not performed. It may have been once more invaded by the Indo-Iranian tribes who did not follow the orthodox rites.