The Dravidian race consists predominantly of south Indians. They are characterized by their dark complexion, large foreheads and dark hair and eyes. According to experts, this race arrived in India around 3000 B C.
Dravidians are believed to be of African origin. Similarities between their complexion, forehead structure and bone structure support this claim. After their settlement in India, they established a very sophisticated culture. Their religion was earth centric and was based on the worship of life-giving forces in nature. They made offerings of plants and herbs to these forces. With the arrival of the Aryans in India around 1500 B C, the Dravidians were forced to move towards the south and central parts of the country. The influence of Aryans in their religion saw a shift from nature-worship to the worship of gods and goddesses based in heaven. Their rituals now involved fire and smoke. The roots of Hinduism were sowed with this radical shift in religion.
With the decline in Indus Valley Civilization, the Dravidians established a rich culture in south and central India. Their contribution to the development of language and literature is immense. All the major languages used in south India are of Dravidian origin, Tamil being the root language.
