Similarities Between Avestan and Vedic Sanskrit | How Ancient Iranian & Indian Languages Are Related

In this video, we compare the similarities between Avestan and Vedic Sanskrit, two of the oldest Indo-European languages, both belonging to the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European language family, with Kiarash, a recent convert to Zoroastrianism, having developed his understanding of the Avestan language through his studies of the Gathas, the oldest hymns of the Avesta, and Sanket representing Sanskrit. While Vedic Sanskrit represents the early Indo-Aryan tradition, Avestan represents the ancient Iranian linguistic and religious heritage. For any questions, suggestions or feedback, or if you'd like to participate in future videos contact me on Instagram:   / bahadoralast   Avestan is an ancient Eastern Iranian language and the sacred language of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster). The Zoroastrian scriptures, known as the Avesta, preserve prayers, hymns, and religious teachings that date back thousands of years. Central concepts such as Ahura Mazda (the Wise Lord), Asha (truth and cosmic order), and the struggle between truth and falsehood are expressed in the Avestan language and have influenced religious thought across history. Although Avestan is no longer spoken, its legacy continues in modern Iranian languages, especially Persian (Farsi). Many words in modern Persian have deep roots in Avestan and earlier Indo-Iranian forms. For example, words related to numbers, family, nature, and religion often show clear connections to Avestan and even to Sanskrit. This makes the study of Avestan not only important for ancient history, but also for understanding the development of modern Persian and Iranian identity. Vedic Sanskrit is one of the oldest forms of the Sanskrit language, preserved in the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. It is an ancient Indo-Aryan language that was spoken in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent. The Rigveda, composed in Vedic Sanskrit, is one of the oldest surviving texts in any Indo-European language and contains hymns dedicated to deities such as Indra, Agni, and Varuna. Like Avestan, Vedic Sanskrit preserves highly archaic features that are extremely valuable for reconstructing Proto-Indo-European. Avestan and Vedic Sanskrit are remarkably close linguistic relatives, reflecting their shared Proto-Indo-Iranian origin before the Indo-Aryan and Iranian peoples separated. Their similarities can be seen in grammar, verb systems, sentence structure, phonology, and core vocabulary. Many cognates between Avestan, Sanskrit, and even modern Persian reveal systematic sound correspondences. One of the most famous is the shift between Sanskrit “s” and Avestan “h,” such as Sanskrit “sapta” and Avestan “hapta,” both meaning “seven,” which relates to Persian “haft.” These connections clearly show how ancient Indo-Iranian languages evolved into modern languages spoken today. Other examples of shared vocabulary and roots can be found across religious and cultural terms, highlighting a shared spiritual heritage between early Indo-Iranian traditions. By studying these languages, we gain insight not only into linguistics, but also into ancient migration patterns, mythology, and the origins of major religious ideas. The comparison between Avestan and Vedic Sanskrit is especially important for linguists, historians, and anyone interested in Indo-European studies, comparative linguistics, ancient history, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, and Persian language history. It provides a rare window into a time when these cultures were still closely connected. In this video, we explore the Avestan vs Vedic Sanskrit pronunciation, cognates across Avestan, Sanskrit, and modern Persian, grammar and linguistic structure, sound shifts and historical phonology, and Proto-Indo-Iranian and Proto-Indo-European roots. This comparison highlights both the deep similarities and the unique developments that distinguish these ancient languages, showing how they continue to influence modern languages and cultures today.