THE ARYANS PARADIGM: HISTORICAL, LINGUISTIC, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Abstract
This thesis examines the concept of the Aryans paradigm through historical, linguistic, and archaeological lenses. It explores the origins, migrations, and cultural influence of Indo-Iranian groups, commonly referred to as Aryans, across Central and South Asia. By integrating archaeological evidence from the Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) and linguistic data from Proto-Indo-Iranian languages, this research investigates the interactions between migrating Aryan groups and established local civilizations. The study emphasizes the complexities of defining Aryans in terms of ethnicity, language, and socio-cultural impact and highlights the significance of an interdisciplinary approach for reconstructing early Indo-European history.