They occupy the region between the Punjaub and the Ganges, and here was accomplished the transition of the Aryans from warlike shepherds into agriculturists and builders of cities.[36] The last hymns of the Vedas were written (says St.Martin) when they arrived from the Indus at the Ganges, and were building their oldest city, at the confluence of that river with the Jumna.

Their complexion was then white, and they call the race whom they conquered, and who afterward were made _Soudras_, or lowest caste, blacks.[37] The chief gods of the Vedic age were Indra, Varuna, Agni, Savitri, Soma.

The first was the god of the atmosphere; the second, of the Ocean of light, or Heaven; the third, of Fire;[38] the fourth, of the Sun; and the fifth, of the Moon.

Yama was the god of death.

All the powers of nature were personified in turn,--as earth, food, wine, months, seasons, day, night, and dawn.