Truth of Alexander in India - Old Dardistan -Inside Aryan Valley, Ladakh, | Greek and Indo-Aryans??
Countryside Travels
2025-08-17
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Nestled in the heights of Ladakh and along the Indus River, the Aryan Valley was once part of ancient Dardistan – a region that has roots dating back thousands of years to civilisations.
Some historians believe that the people here are of Indo-Aryan origin, while some theories suggest that they are descendants of ancient Greek soldiers who settled in the region during Alexander’s expedition.
In this vlog, we take you on a journey from Kargil to Batalik, a place of natural beauty, history and border ambience.
Mesmerizing views of Batalik's hilly paths and valleys
Traditional costumes and unique lifestyle of Aryan Valley
History of Dardistan and interesting theories of Greek and Indo-Aryan origins
Strategic importance of Batalik during Kargil War
The real beauty of Ladakh captured in drone and panoramic shots
The historical relationship between the Aryans of Ladakh (Batalik, Dah, Hanu, Darchik) and the people of Skardu and Chitral in Pakistan is very old, which is linked to the history, migration and culture of the Dardic tribes.
1. Who are the Aryans of Ladakh?
They are called Brokpa or Dard in the local language.
They live in some villages of the lower Indus Valley, near the LoC.
They are believed to be descendants of Indo-Aryan migrants who came here thousands of years ago.
They have fair skin, green/light brown eyes and facial features that are different from the rest of the Ladakhi people.
2. Ancient Dardic roots
The Brokpas are part of the Dardic tribes—an ancient Indo-Aryan linguistic and ethnic group.
The Dards were spread across Gilgit-Baltistan (including Skardu), Chitral and Ladakh in ancient times.
Their region is referred to as Dard in Sanskrit and Pali texts.
Greek historians also (at the time of Alexander) mention these mountain tribes.
3. Connection with Skardu
Skardu is located in Gilgit-Baltistan, west of the Aryan Valley.
Before the construction of the LOC, the Indus river was the natural route connecting these areas.
The Brokpa and Balti people were connected in the past through:
Trade (apricots, barley, wool, salt)
Marriage relationships
Military service under various Himalayan and Central Asian rulers
The old Brokpa dialect shares features with the Shina language of Gilgit-Skardu.
4. Connection with Chitral
Chitral (Pakistan) is inhabited by the Kalash people—who believe themselves to be ancient Indo-Aryan descendants.
Kalash and Brokpa festivals, traditions and decorations have many similarities:
Celebrations related to harvest, wine and sun festivals
Traditional headgear decorated with flowers and jewellery
Old polytheistic or nature-worshipping traditions (before the advent of Islam/Buddhism)
This similarity is due to the Dardic migration route—some settled in the west (Kalash) and some in the east (Aryan Valley).
5. Alexander the Great and folklore
Some Brokpa and Kalash believe they are descendants of Alexander's soldiers (4th century BC).
Historians believe their roots are even older—from the Indo-Aryan mig
Some historians believe that the people here are of Indo-Aryan origin, while some theories suggest that they are descendants of ancient Greek soldiers who settled in the region during Alexander’s expedition.
In this vlog, we take you on a journey from Kargil to Batalik, a place of natural beauty, history and border ambience.
Mesmerizing views of Batalik's hilly paths and valleys
Traditional costumes and unique lifestyle of Aryan Valley
History of Dardistan and interesting theories of Greek and Indo-Aryan origins
Strategic importance of Batalik during Kargil War
The real beauty of Ladakh captured in drone and panoramic shots
The historical relationship between the Aryans of Ladakh (Batalik, Dah, Hanu, Darchik) and the people of Skardu and Chitral in Pakistan is very old, which is linked to the history, migration and culture of the Dardic tribes.
1. Who are the Aryans of Ladakh?
They are called Brokpa or Dard in the local language.
They live in some villages of the lower Indus Valley, near the LoC.
They are believed to be descendants of Indo-Aryan migrants who came here thousands of years ago.
They have fair skin, green/light brown eyes and facial features that are different from the rest of the Ladakhi people.
2. Ancient Dardic roots
The Brokpas are part of the Dardic tribes—an ancient Indo-Aryan linguistic and ethnic group.
The Dards were spread across Gilgit-Baltistan (including Skardu), Chitral and Ladakh in ancient times.
Their region is referred to as Dard in Sanskrit and Pali texts.
Greek historians also (at the time of Alexander) mention these mountain tribes.
3. Connection with Skardu
Skardu is located in Gilgit-Baltistan, west of the Aryan Valley.
Before the construction of the LOC, the Indus river was the natural route connecting these areas.
The Brokpa and Balti people were connected in the past through:
Trade (apricots, barley, wool, salt)
Marriage relationships
Military service under various Himalayan and Central Asian rulers
The old Brokpa dialect shares features with the Shina language of Gilgit-Skardu.
4. Connection with Chitral
Chitral (Pakistan) is inhabited by the Kalash people—who believe themselves to be ancient Indo-Aryan descendants.
Kalash and Brokpa festivals, traditions and decorations have many similarities:
Celebrations related to harvest, wine and sun festivals
Traditional headgear decorated with flowers and jewellery
Old polytheistic or nature-worshipping traditions (before the advent of Islam/Buddhism)
This similarity is due to the Dardic migration route—some settled in the west (Kalash) and some in the east (Aryan Valley).
5. Alexander the Great and folklore
Some Brokpa and Kalash believe they are descendants of Alexander's soldiers (4th century BC).
Historians believe their roots are even older—from the Indo-Aryan mig
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