The Vedic fathers of geology

GroLoGicaL ANTIQUITY OF THE VEDAS. 61

The cumulatiye evidence, therefore, obvious- : ly supports the view that it was the Land of the Seven Rivers that was the Cradle of the Primitive Aryans—our Progenitors. And, naturally enough, it was for this reason that even Professor Spiegel in his Introduction to Avesta, vol. Il. p. CX, seems to have been inclined to entertain the view that “ An origin in that locality ( viz. the Country bordering on the Indus ) might, with most probability, be ascribed to the legend of Vritrahan, as Indra is designated, as the slayer of Vritra, who withholds the clouds and the necessary rains.”

Now, our progenitors were certainly a very gifted race on the surface of the Earth ; while, our Rzg-Vedic ancestors, having been their direct descendants, had inherited all the best traits of character and their finest qualities, had welcomed their hoary traditions and pure usages, and respected the sacrificial rites and religious ceremonies. They had first remained in the Land of the Seven Riverstheir Home and Cradle-deeply engaged in their sacrifices and varied rituals ; till, distant climes having excited their curiosity, it kindled their thirst for fame, and induced them tospread the A ryan civilization beyond the Land of the Seven Rivers in all directions, to extend their ५१४८ everywhere, and to carry their