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3000 BCE
Indo-European Homeland
During this time, the Indo-Europeans lived in the Pontic-Caspien Steppe (aka modern-day Ukraine and southern Russia.) They were normadic herders who used horses and wagons, and spoke a early form of Indo-European language -
2500 BCE
Start of Migrations
In 2500 BCE, the Indo-Europeans began spreading across Europe and Asia, they would migrate in waves, some going west into Europe and the others going east, they spread their language, horse-riding skills, and new technologies. -
2000 BCE
Migration Through Central Asia
Some Indo-Europeans groups traveled through Central Asia, mixing with local cultures, thus meaning that Indo-Europeans became the ancestors of the Indo-Aryans, who would later enter India. -
1700 BCE
Decline of the Indus Valley Civilization
During this time, the Indus Valley Civilization began to decline, due to climate change and natural disasters. This left a power change in northwest India, making it easier for new groups like the Indo-Aryans to settle. -
1500 BCE
Indo-Aryans Enter India
During this time, the Indo-Aryans entered Northwest India through the Khyber Pass. They bought the Sanskirt language, horse-drawn chariots, and Vedic religion, which would later influence modern day Hinduism. -
Period: 1400 BCE to 1200 BCE
Vedas are composed
The Rigveda (the oldest of the four Vedas) was written in Sanskrit during this period. These texts included hymns, rituals, and religious ideas that form Verdic Culture. -
Period: 1200 BCE to 1000 BCE
Settlement in the Ganges Valley
Indo-Aryans moved eastward and settled in the Ganges River Valley, where they started to farm more. During this time they would also start to form small kingdoms ruled by kings. -
Period: 1000 BCE to 800 BCE
Formation of the Varna System
During this time, the Indo-Aryans developed the Varna system which divided people into four main groups, Brahmins which were priests, Kshatriyas were warriors, Vaishyas were traders and farmers, and Shudras were the servents and laborers, this system was the basis of the Indian caste system. -
Period: 800 BCE to 600 BCE
Vedic Culture Expands
During this time, Vedic religion and culture began to spread across northern India. The focus began to shift from rituals and personal beliefs, setting the stage for later religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. -
600 BCE
Long-Term Cultural effects
Indo-Aryan influence continued through religion, language, and social structure, Sanskrit became the sacred language of India, and Vedic traditions deeply shaped Indian Philosophy, literature, and spirtuality.