Ahura and Asura: Iran and India are brothers linked by Gods and sacred fire
India Today
When we look at Iran through the prism of religion and see a Shia Islamic country, we negate its thousands of years of rich pre-Islamic Persian culture. A dive into the world of Zoroastrianism and Vedas shows us how Indians and Iranians have been sharing languages, Gods, sciences and a sacred fire for thousands of years.
This is the story of two brothers who came from a family that knew the chill of the Eurasian Steppe and therefore worshipped fire. While one travelled south, the other journeyed further southeast. The two brothers have been sharing Gods, beliefs, rituals, and a common linguistic thread for over 4,000 years. The two brothers are the Iranians and the Indians.
As surprising as it might seem, the name Iran is derived from Aryan. The area of modern-day Iran or Persia of yore was known as Aryanam — the Land of the Aryans.
When we look at Iran through the prism of religion and see a Shia Islamic country, we negate its thousands of years of rich pre-Islamic Persian culture. It is the land that shared Vedic Gods, and where Zoroastrianism's holy fires still burn, while many of its people take pride in being Persians first before identifying as Muslims.
"The Indo-Iranian identity is a part of the human family linked by linguistic roots, history, myths and religions," says Shernaz Cama, Founder Director of Parzor, an organisation devoted to researching and preserving Parsi-Zoroastrian culture and history.
The following para is going to be a bit technical. Please refer to the stemma map below for clarity. Please do not leave reading, because the most interesting bits are yet to come.
Linguistically, culturally and historically, the two brothers I was referring to were Proto-Iranian and Proto-Indo-Aryan, descending from the same Indo-Iranian (or Aryan) parent. While Persian and Avestan languages developed from Proto-Iranian in Persia, Sanskrit was born out of Proto-Indo-Aryan in India, which was earlier known as Aryavarta (Land of the Aryans), just like Iran was Aryanam.
A father travelling with his toddler addressed fellow passengers ahead of a flight, asking for patience and understanding if his child became unsettled.
The lottery system for a segment of Green Cards, known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa programme, has been restarted. However, the stricter rules being enforced by the US won't impact Indian Green Card aspirants. Here's why.
Instead of putting an end to rumours, the video has triggered another wave of speculation about Netanyahu's fate. Several users on 'X' (formerly Twitter) have claimed that the video posted on 'X' was an AI-generated deepfake.
US jets strike military facilities near Iran's Chabahar free trade zone
The video, recorded inside the train coach, shows the compartment littered with snack packets, water bottles, soiled spoons and bedsheets scattered on the floor.
The US is planning to deploy a third aircraft carrier in the Middle East amid the war with Iran. Aircraft carriers, one of the most expensive defence systems, are floating military bases that project power. Here's how aircraft carriers are used and where India stands.
Donald Trump warned that Nato could face a 'very bad' future if member states fail to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and to support Washington's efforts amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.
When we look at Iran through the prism of religion and see a Shia Islamic country, we negate its thousands of years of rich pre-Islamic Persian culture. A dive into the world of Zoroastrianism and Vedas shows us how Indians and Iranians have been sharing languages, Gods, sciences and a sacred fire for thousands of years.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded directly to his death rumours by releasing a new video intended to show he was alive and continuing his duties.
A couple and two children were killed when Israeli fire hit their car in the West Bank. Two injured boys survived, their story reveals the terrifying final moments inside the vehicle.
A Bengaluru resident's social media video documenting his struggle with severe traffic congestion on his short daily commute has drawn attention to the persistent problem faced by city commuters.
A CISF officer at Delhi's Terminal 3 tracked down a passenger who left his passport at security after arriving from the US, earning public thanks and highlighting the agency's commitment to service.
In a post on X, Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, said, "I've heard that the remaining members of Epstein's network have devised a conspiracy to create an incident similar to 9/11 and blame Iran for it."