The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c15.184

v1.c15.184

This type, of which the Marāthās are the chief representatives, occupies a position between the broad-headed Turko-Irānians and the long-headed Dravidians. Its designation assumes that the foreign broad-headed element was introduced during the period of Scythian (Çaka) rule in Western India (c. 120–380 A.D.). But there can be little doubt that its origin must be traced to a period far more remote. The Çakas were among those military conquerors who broke into the Punjab after the downfall of the Maurya Empire; and it can scarcely be supposed that the extension of their power to Western India materially affected the race. The fact that their Scythian names, as is shown by coins and inscriptions, became Hinduised after a few generations, is conclusive proof that they were forced to adapt themselves to their social environment. We must therefore seek the disturbing racial influence in some earlier tribal immigration of which no other memorial now remains. The invaders probably belonged to the broad-headed Alpine race which inhabited the plateaus of Western Asia (Anatolia, Armenia, and Irān)¹; and they would seem to have come into Western India, as the Dravidians also most probably came, through Baluchistān before desiccation had made the routes impassable for multitudes.