to several other groups. Simyu and Kikata are grouped with the dasyus . Sambara son of Kulitara is mentioned as a chief with forts or settlements. Varchin was another chief with many troops.
The Rig Veda mentions the defeat of a chief called Sambara by Divodasa of the Bharata clan. Polity and Political Clashes The concept of polity developed in the Rig Vedic time. Various units of habitation and divisions such as the janas , vis , gana , grama and kula are referred to in the Rig Veda . The Vedas speak about the Aryans and their enemies and the battles they fought with them.
The battles were fought more for cattle and material wealth and the war booty acquired was shared. They not only fought with the non-Aryans, but also fought among themselves. They invoked the support of the gods in their battles. They strongly believed that prayers, sacrifices and rituals could offer support in their mundane life.
The god Indra is called Purandara , which means destroyer of settlements, which were perhaps fenced or planned townships. The Bharatas and Tritsu were the ruling Aryan clans who were supported by Vasishta, the priest. The region of India was named Bharata Varsha after the tribe of Bharatas. The Bharata clan was opposed by ten chiefs and five out of them were Aryans.
This battle was known as the Battle of Ten Kings. The battle took place on the banks of the river Paurushni, identified with the river Ravi. In this battle, Sudas won and he became important leading to the dominance of Bharata clan. The Purus were one of the defeated clans.
The Purus and Bharatas formed an alliance and later they formed Kuru clan. Later the Kurus allied with Panchalas and established their control over the Upper Ganga Valley. Social Divisions The Vedic people distinguished themselves from the non-Aryan people. Varna was the term used by Aryans to refer to colour and category.
The Rig Veda refers to Arya varna and Dasa varna . The Dasas and Dasyus were XI History - Lesson - -