ABSTRACT
In the Rig-Veda, which contains the earliest description of the Aryan civilization, we come across two kinds of people who stand in marked contrast to each other in social and religious institutions, in language and habits of daily life. These are on the one hand the Aryas, and on the other, those who were looked upon by them as enemies, comprised under the terms Dasyu, Vritra, Krishṇa, Paṇi, etc., all being brought under the general category Dasyu. Indra is said to slay the Vritras and win and gather their riches. 1 He smites the Vritras and gains spoils of war and high renown. 2 The word occurs in some places as the demon of drought who was overcome by Indra to make the water-courses flow freely with water for the fields of the Arya. The Paṇis, who are also frequently mentioned, appear to have been a trading people. 3 One non-Aryan tribe was called the Ahi, and Indra is addressed as, “Thou art the slayer of those who are called serpents; thou art the slayer of every Dasyu.” 4 The word Krishṇa is used in various senses. It denotes a non-Aryan black tribe, a chief, and a sage in the Rig-Veda. 5
