[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Ancient Indian Education: An Inquiry into its Origin, Development, and Ideals](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.keay-1918) › c4.2 # Ancient Indian Education: An Inquiry into its Origin, Development, and Ideals c4.2 Ancient Indian Education: An Inquiry into its Origin, Development, and Ideals c4.2 - **Language:** English ### [c4.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.keay-1918.c4.2) The Aryans entered India by the defiles of the north-west at some unknown date before 1000 B.C. There were probably several waves of invasion, and each tribe pushed its predecessor farther east or south. The influence of this race is not, however, to be judged by its numbers, or the extent of territory which was occupied. Not only did Aryan princes establish dynasties in many parts of India, but it was the Aryans, and especially the priestly class, the Brāhmans, who moulded the religion, philosophy, science, and art, as well as the social organization which is spread all over India. At the time when they entered the Panjāb they were divided into many tribes or clans governed by chieftains. The father had great power as head of the family. There were different classes amongst the Aryans, but these had not yet hardened into castes. These classes were the nobles or chieftains and their families, the priestly families, and the mass of the people who were chiefly employed in agriculture and cattle-rearing. The Dravidians were their common foes, but those captured in war became domestic slaves. The religion of the Aryans was a form of nature worship. The vault of heaven, the dawn, the winds, the lightning are considered the activities of personal gods to whom sacrifice and praise are offered. Worship is carried on in the open without temples or idols. Indra, Agni, and Soma are the deities to whom hymns are most often addressed. - [Previous: c4.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.keay-1918.c4.1) - [Next: c4.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.keay-1918.c4.3) - [Up: c4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.keay-1918.c4) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.keay-1918.c4.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.keay-1918.c4.2) · Pramāṇa