Q. Consider the following statements:
- Kassite inscription and Mitanni inscription, both found in Iraq, have some names of Aryan Gods.
- Rig Veda and Avesta have many common names and terms for Gods and Social Classes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer:
Both 1 and 2
Notes: It is widely believed that the Aryans had their origin somewhere in Eurasia. They moved in several directions from their homeland. On their way to India, they first appeared in Iran, where they lived for a long time. Several literary events are cited as examples of this connection between Indo-Aryans and Indo-Iranians. E.g. Avesta, which is the earliest Zoroastrian religious text, has many terms that are similar to the terms used in Rig Veda, which is the earliest specimen of Indo-European Language. Also, Mittani and Kassite inscriptions, discovered from West Asia, refer to the Aryan Gods like Indra, Varuna and Nasatya, etc. These were essentially treaties between local warring tribes and common gods were invoked to give sanctity to their treaty. Hence, both the statements are true.