The Accurate Connection Between Iranians, Indians and Indo-European-Speaking Peoples (outdated erroneous "Aryan label") Separating Fact from Fiction

 

For centuries, the term "Aryan" has been misused, fueling racial theories and nationalist ideologies that have distorted history. But the real connections between Iranians, Indians, and other Indo-European-speaking peoples are much richer and more complicated than these outdated simpleton ideas.

Please look at the linguistic, cultural, and historical bonds between these groups and explain why the “Aryan” label is not just misleading—it’s harmful.

The term "Aryan" originally referred to a group of people who spoke languages from the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European language family. Over time, however, the label was hijacked by racists and nationalists, who used it to push flawed theories about race and superiority. This has clouded our understanding of the true relationships between Iranians, Indians, and other Indo-European peoples. The Aryan Myth: An Amateur's Label That Got Out of Hand. Period.

Same Roots, Different Branches

Sanskrit, Persian, and other Indo-Iranian languages are like cousins in a big family tree. All of them evolved from a shared Indo-European root. Despite evolving into distinct languages, they still carry echoes of their shared origins, and these linguistic connections reveal a deeper cultural and historical bond between the peoples who speak them.

Common Words, Shared Cultures

Words in Old Persian and Sanskrit often look and sound strikingly similar. These shared words are more than just linguistic coincidence—they reflect a common way of thinking, a shared worldview, and ancient cultural practices that stretch back thousands of years.

Migration and Movement: The Shared History of Iranians and Indians

Where Did They Come From?

The early Indo-Iranian peoples didn’t just appear out of nowhere—they migrated over centuries, moving across vast lands from the Iranian plateau to the Indian subcontinent. This movement shaped the cultures we see today, and it’s clear that these exchanges were not just about people moving—they were about ideas, technologies, and ways of life blending and merging.

Archaeological Evidence of Shared Cultures

Archaeological sites like Bactria-Margiana show us that long before modern globalization, people from Iran and India were already exchanging ideas and cultural practices. These ancient sites offer physical proof of the deep, connected histories of these regions.

Myths, Gods, and Religion: A Shared Spiritual Legacy

The Gods Who Bind Us

If you look at the mythologies of ancient Iran and India, you’ll notice striking similarities. Gods like Varuna and Mithras appear in both cultures, each carrying deep symbolic meaning. These shared deities and their stories offer us a window into how these ancient peoples saw the world, their gods, and each other.

Religion’s Common Threads

Zoroastrianism and early Hinduism may look different on the surface, but their ethical systems and views of the universe share many commonalities. Both religions emphasize the importance of good versus evil, and both have a deep spiritual connection to the cosmos.

Similar Rituals, Different Practices

From fire rituals in Zoroastrianism to the sacred fire ceremonies in Hinduism, both religions share practices that honor the divine through fire. These similarities speak to the shared cultural and spiritual bonds that underpinned these ancient societies.

Art, Trade, and Cultural Exchange: Influences That Endure

Art Tells the Story

The art and architecture of ancient Iran and India reveal much about their shared heritage. From motifs on pottery to grand temples and palaces, the influence of one culture on the other is undeniable. These artistic connections tell us more about the shared values and ideas that shaped these ancient peoples.

Trade Routes: Highways for Ideas

Ancient trade routes didn’t just carry spices and silk—they carried knowledge, art, and religion. These roads were essential for cultural exchange, allowing the peoples of Iran and India to influence one another in ways that are still felt today.

The "Aryan" Label: How It Was Misused

Weaponizing History

The “Aryan” label was co-opted by nationalist movements and racial theorists in the 19th and 20th centuries, who used it to create false divisions between peoples. This racist misuse of the label has caused lasting harm, distorting how we understand the real connections between Iranians, Indians, and other Indo-European-speaking peoples.

The Damage Done

The fallout from this mislabeling still affects the way many people think about their identity and cultural heritage. But understanding that these groups are united by much more than divisive ideologies is the first step toward healing and reconciliation.

Through exploring the linguistic, historical, and cultural connections between Iranians, Indians, and other Indo-European peoples, it’s clear that these groups are not isolated from one another—and this is just the beginning. 

There is much more to uncover about these ancient connections, and future research will continue to reveal our collective history so that we can start to accept  a more inclusive, accurate view of our shared history. 

It's about human potential, our connection, not division on this planet.