How do scholars know that Indo-Aryans raised cattle and depended upon their milk but later turned to agriculture
Scholars have gathered evidence from multiple sources to determine that Indo-Aryans initially relied on cattle herding and the consumption of milk, but later adopted agricultural practices. Here are some of the ways they have traced this transition:
1. Archaeological excavations: Many archaeological sites in the Indus Valley and surrounding regions, including Mehrgarh in present-day Pakistan, have yielded evidence of early cattle domestication. The presence of cattle bones, dairy processing equipment, and depictions of cattle on pottery and seals indicate the importance of cattle in the early Indo-Aryan society.
2. Literary and religious texts: The Rigveda, a collection of ancient Sanskrit hymns, provides valuable insights into the culture and practices of the Indo-Aryans. It contains hymns dedicated to deities associated with cattle, such as Agni (the fire god) and Indra (the warrior god). These hymns indicate the significance of cattle in their daily lives, highlighting their herding practices and milk consumption.
3. Linguistic evidence: Linguists have analyzed Indo-Aryan languages and observed the presence of numerous terms related to cattle and dairy products. This suggests that these terms were crucial elements in their society and points towards their heavy reliance on cattle and milk.
4. Comparative studies: Scholars have compared the Indo-Aryan culture with other early Indo-European societies, such as those of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Similarities in their agricultural practices, religious rituals, and vocabulary related to cattle provide further evidence that Indo-Aryans transitioned from cattle herding to agriculture.
5. Environmental factors: Scientists have conducted studies on the geographical and climatic changes in the Indus Valley region. These studies indicate a shift from a more favorable environment for cattle herding to one that was more suited for agriculture. This aligns with the timeline proposed for the transition from cattle herding to cultivation.
By combining all these sources of evidence, scholars have been able to establish a reasonably accurate understanding of how Indo-Aryans initially relied on cattle herding and milk, but eventually shifted their primary dependence to agriculture.