The term "Aryans" originally referred to a group of ancient peoples who spoke Indo-European languages. They are believed to have migrated into the Indian subcontinent and parts of Iran around 1500 BCE. The Vedic texts, which are some of the oldest scriptures in Hinduism, provide insights into their culture, society, and religious practices. In modern contexts, the term has been misused and associated with racial theories, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. This led to the promotion of ideas about racial superiority, notably by the Nazi regime. Today, scholars emphasize the importance of understanding the historical and linguistic aspects of the Aryans without racial connotations.