Most Ancient Aryan Society

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

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Angiras had close associations. They have also been identi fied in Ṛgveda. Agni is Indra. Agni singly and also alongwith Indra has been referred in Ṛgveda as discomfiter of foes, destroyer of adversaries, 18 victorious in battles," repeller of enemies18 and scatterer of foes.19 Agni is slayer of Rākṣasas, Dasyus." Agni, like Indra, is the slayer and the leader of the slayers of Vṛtra." The slaying of Vṛtra is the Aryan feat par excellence. Agni consumed the Dāsa chief Jarutha and forced open the doors of Panis.23 Agni over-threw and consumed the Aryan adversaries and their forts and cities." Agni over-threw ninety cities ruled over by Aryan adversaries. It appears that they were the forts
of Dasa Sambara and his associates.
Agni, taking part in military operation, refers both to the fire-weapons wielded in actual battles and the wielder of the fire-weapons. When the actual effect is referred; it refers to the destruction wrought by Agni as a fire-weapon. When the foes are killed, consumed or driven or when the cities are burnt, it refers to the feats of fire missiles. When Agni acts, it refers to the
Commander of the Aryan Fire Battalion of the Army Division. When Vṛtra is slain, Jaruth is killed; it is the commander, may be Angiras, that is meant. When Indra advances his emblem in battles, Agni summons Devas", perhaps to the help of Indra with their various weapons. Agni drinks Soma with Indra and wields thunderbolt like him along with other weapons. Agni, the archer, ascended the chariot and wielded blazing arrows from his dreadful bow after the Aryan adversary". Perhaps man-destroying Rudra wielded fire-weapons. Agni defeated the Aryan adversaries in battles for gaining gold".
Agni-The weapon Wielder
In Sukta 8. 5. 9., the deity is Agni and in Sukta 8. 5. 10., the deities are Indra and Agni. Rşi in both the Suktas is