Most Ancient Aryan Society

Author(s): Ram Chandra Jain
Publisher: Institute of Bharatalogical Research Sriganganagar Rajasthan

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( 146 ) known as a 'limb' of it.10 When Angārā or Angirasāh moved throughout the whole Gana ; when they had been universally adopted to social uses; when they led the Aryans to prosperity and enhanced their capabilities; when helped their people to subjugate their adversaries ; they were given the exalted epithet of Agni. Agni may be traced to Vag 'to move'. Yāşka traces it to (1) Agra + vni ‘he who leads to the front or (2) Ang + vni 'he who reduces (everything) into subjection.' He also derives it from E (=a) + VAñj or ✓ Dah (=g) + Vní (=ni) 'one who moves, shines and leads'.11 The tribal sense is very clear. Agni was a great and illustrious driving force that led to Aryan progress and prosperity. Brhaspati was son of Ganapati Argiras (or Agni).12 Angiras-Gaņa was very famous for its knowledge and brilliance in that age 18
Agni is chief of Angirasas. It is best of them. Agni is the first Angirā ķşi. As Agni was discovered by the
Angiras-Gaņa; it soon assumed its social Birth of Yajna
character. Gaņa Way was a homogeneous collective way of life composed of persons engaged in similar common pursuits. Agni was helpful to Gaņas in their material life. It gave them good food, shelter from the ravages of ferocious animals and health. It helped them in clearing fields to get more food. It, by and by, came to be used for metallurgical purposes and gave them good weapons for developing their economic life and for the subjugation of their adversaries. Agni, in the very circumstances of nomadic life, assumed very great significance with the primitive Aryans. Its collective social use in course of time developed into the institution of Yajna.
Agni is the first and the most ancient priest. He is the leader of Yajña. Devas depended entirely on Agni