Vedic+Period+ca.+1500-1000+BCE

There is not much physical evidence from the earlier Indian societies. Some of the actual remains of those ancient societies are tombs that contained objects such as iron tools and weapons. Also, different forms of pottery were found around the Indus Valley, which suggests that more than group of one people could have blended together to form the modern Indian society.

 Aryans and Dravidians
The Aryans, or "honorable ones," made painted gray pottery and spoke an Indo-European language. There are indications that this semi-nomadic people came from the area around the Caspian Sea and conquered the native Dravidians. According to the theory of Aryan invasion, after a period of resistance, a merging process took place. Unfortunately, very little in the way of sophisticated art exists from this period, although records show that the creation of art did take place.

Vedic religion and the caste system
 The Aryans practiced the Vedic religion, which featured complex rituals, such as sacrifices and consumption of hallucinogenic substances. They worshiped deities who personified the forces of nature and lived in a stratified social structure. At the top of this structure was the priest position, or //brahman.// Determined by birthright, it was up to the //brahmans// to perform the Vedic rituals and sacrifice. Following them were the //kshatriyas//, or warrior class. Next were the //vashiya// (merchants) and then lastly the //shudras// (serfs)//.// Below them and outside the system were the outcastes, the untouchables. This religious hierarchy originated the modern Indian caste system.  The Aryans did not possess a written religious scripture. Their knowledge was memorized and spread by repetition. Later, their oral traditions were written into four books called Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva.

Copper Hoard culture
Hoards of copper implements have been found in northern India from circa 1500 - 1000. While appearing in numerous shapes that imply practical use (such as harpoons, axes, and anthropromorphic figures), their size, weight, and lack of wear imply that they were instead part of ancient rituals ([|http://pubweb.cc.u-tokai.ac.jp]).




 * References**

Kondo, Hideo (2001). Copper hoard culture. Retrieved September 14, 2008, from Invitation to Indus Civilization Web site: http://pubweb.cc.u-tokai.ac.jp/indus/english/3_1_06.html