The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c15.188

v1.c15.188

To explain this abrupt transition, the theory of a second Āryan invasion, which is supposed to have come into the plain of the Ganges from the Pāmīrs through Gilgit and Chitrāl, was propounded by the late Dr Hoernle and has been generally accepted in the official publications of the Government of India. This theory is made improbable by the physical difficulties of the route suggested, and some of the arguments adduced in its favour are demonstrably mistaken. There is no such break of continuity between the tribes of the Rigveda and the peoples of the later literature as it presupposes¹. At the same time it seemed to be supported by the existing distribution of the Indo-Āryan languages; but, as will be seen (p. 50), an equally satisfactory explanation of this distribution may be suggested.