However, other scholars argue that the Aryans were undoubtedly a conquering people when they first spread into India, then they gradually mixed with the indigenous Harappan culture. According to this view, the Aryans were a fierce and conquering people whose culture was oriented around warfare. This became the basis for the socially stratified caste system. Therefore, the two sides of the argument are clear enough. Either the Aryans and Harappans mixed together and became peaceful, or the Aryans came in as a conquering people, became the ruling class, and instituted the caste system to maintain control.
Scholars still debate, however, as to what actually occurred.
The Myth of the Aryan Invasion . The Aryans . A History of India . WebChron Text copyright 1998 by David W. Koeller. All rights reserved.