The History and Culture of the Indian People v1.c19.s3.t2.52

v1.c19.s3.t2.52

The disappearance of the Sarasvatī referred to in the *Pañchaviṁśa Brāhmaṇa* (XXV. 10. 6) is an important geographical landmark in this period. The main centre of the life of the period is Kurukshetra in the country of the Kuru-Pañchālas, bounded by the Khāṇḍava on the south, Tūrghna on the north, and Pariṇāh on the west. It is noteworthy that the sphere of civilization is gradually shifting eastward and its localization in the region to the east of the land of five rivers is an accomplished fact. The Punjab and the West not only recede in importance, but the tribes of the west are looked upon with disapproval in the *Śatapatha* and *Aitareya Brāhmaṇas*. There has been a change and regrouping of tribes of the Rigvedic period, and many new tribes emerge during this period. The Bharatas do not occupy the premier position, but are merged in the Kurus who, with their allies the Pañchālas, are the tribe *par excellence*. With Vaśas and Uśīnaras, the Kuru-Pañchālas occupy the Madhyadeśa. The Uttarakurus and the Uttaramadras lay to the north beyond the Himālayas, and Satvats to the south. To the east Kosala, Videha, Magadha, and Aṅga rise into prominence. The Andhras, Puṇḍras, Mūtibas, Pulindas, and Śabaras, as also the Nishādas, are the outcast tribes which were not fully Brahmanized.