Note on “Aryans”

Note on “Aryans”

 

 

“Aryan” is originally a Sanskrit word meaning “noble”, and indicates more cultured people. Aryan people are associated with the creation of the Vedas and other scriptures. According to Prof. D.R. Sardesai, Aryans originated in India in the pre-historic period. It is believed that in the beginning, there was no hereditary caste. There were only classes or varnas not castes or jatis. Later some of them went out of India to propagate the spiritual knowledge to other lands. (Personal Communication)

 

In late-19th and early-20th century, Nazi ideology in Germany adopted “Aryan” name for its inhabitants, the “Nordic peoples” to emphasize their pure and superior culture. The “master race” and anti-Semitic attitude of the Nazi “Aryan” name has no bearing whatsoever with the Indo-Aryans.

 

A similar movement in America, the White Aryan Resistance (WAR), had no connection with the Indo-Aryans.